Commonly asked questions
Here are answers to some of the questions most commonly asked about Rugby Union.
What if I (or my child) has never played Rugby before?
Rugby requires specific skills just like any other sport. In fact, some of our best Rugby players started playing other sports first and then converted to Rugby. Skills learnt in any other sports will help you learn basic Rugby skills and will allow you to quickly adapt to the new game.
For the child aged 5 – 12 years, there is a Junior Player Pathway that allows them to be gradually introduced to the game of Rugby. The pathway has been developed to suit the development stages of each age group and is the foundation of many school and club based participation programs such as TryRugby and the EdRugby Walla Challenge.
When should my child start playing Rugby?
Your child can begin playing Rugby after the age of 5 years, through the Junior Player Pathway. Many players also start Rugby at an older age – even Wallaby Chris Latham didn’t start playing Rugby until he was 18!
I thought you had to be big to play Rugby?
No. Rugby requires many varied body shapes and sizes to play the game. From shorter, strong front rowers to tall, far reaching second rowers and to fast, nimble outside backs, there is a crucial position for everyone in Rugby.
Rugby is however, a contact sport. It is therefore critical that correct tackling techniques are learnt by all players, so that all shapes and sizes coming into contact with each other can tackle in a safe and correct manner. The ARU’s national SmartRugby program aims to minimise the risk of injury by teaching coaches and referees best practice techniques in the contact elements of the game.
What gear will my child need before they play the game?
Mouth guards and football boots are the major requirements for players involved in a Rugby game with a tackle component. Additional padding includes shoulder pads and head gear which are optional. All shoulder pads and head gear must abide by the IRB regulations.
Can boys and girls play together?
Yes. Boys and girls can participate in mixed gender teams up to and including the calendar year (1 January – 31 December) in which they turn 12 years of age. After that, the physical differences prohibit mixed teams, so girls continue to play in girls-only competitions.
Can my child play in an older age-group with his brother/friends?
Players are encouraged to play with players of their own age. As this is not always possible, players are permitted to play one year above their age, under the Two-Year Window policy. For example, a player participating in an Under 12 competition should be turning 11 or 12 years of age during the calendar year.
I want to be more involved in my child’s Rugby. How can I become a coach or referee?
Make contact with your local club secretary or school Rugby coordinator to see if there are positions available for coaches or referees.
You can also contact your State Union for advice on coaching and refereeing courses including the one-day Foundation course that combines elements of both coaching and refereeing and is ideal for parents wanting to play a more active role in their children’s sport.
There are also many other opportunities to volunteer your services in school and club Rugby programs.
Why do I need to register my child?
Registration gives participants access to the ARU Insurance Scheme, provides the ARU and State Unions with valuable information on who is playing the game and enables the organisation of competitions and the development of Rugby nationally.
All Rugby participants including players, coaches, administrators and referees are required to complete the ARU membership form which is available from your club.
Each participant will be subsequently registered by the Club’s registrar on the ARU database, MyRugbyAdmin.
Who makes the laws of the game?
The International Rugby Board (IRB) is the governing body that makes the laws of the game. The IRB accepts submissions for law changes from all member unions, of which Australia is one.
