Game day in 2027
Overview for the Parent
What changes for your child from 2027 and why
Gradual development
Evolution is another word for change. These laws will evolve our game.
Our game is evolving to keep pace with the players it serves. A comprehensive review of junior rugby looked at how the game is played and experienced at the junior level, and how laws and game design can better align with young players’ needs, modern coaching practice and contemporary safety standards.
The new laws, developed and piloted through the national Junior Law Review, evolve the game one age group at a time. Your child gets more time on the ball and more exposure to key areas of the game, building their skills, confidence and enjoyment as they grow.
New parts and skills of the game arrive when your child is ready for it, so they build confidence season by season.
Tackles below the sternum at every age, with the scrum and lineout introduced in stages.
Smaller teams and fields at the younger ages mean more touches, more tackles and more fun.
One national set of laws, supporting every player.
Overview of changes per age group
Choose your child's age group to see what game day looks like and what's new in 2027.
The evidence behind the changes
What the research says
Age-appropriate formats support skill development, learning and enjoyment as kids progress.
With fewer players on the field, every kid gets the ball more often. A bigger field just means more running.
When the tackle height came down, players tackled lower, there were fewer knocks to the head, and fewer kids were injured playing rugby.
Children ranked winning 40th of 81 things that make sport fun, well behind trying hard, playing well together and being active with friends.
Kids aged 6 to 12 benefit more when given the opportunity to try different positions, play for fun, and early specialisation is removed.
What changes for your child from 2027 and why
New parts and skills of the game arrive when your child is ready for it, so they build confidence season by season.
Scrum push capped at 1.5mLineout lifting, attacking team onlyTwo year development windowQuarter field, 7 a side
Scrums stay contested under World Rugby law, with the push capped at 1.5m.8 player scrums are contested under World Rugby law, but the push stops at 1.5m.The throwing team can jump and lift. The defending team does not compete.10 a side on a half field with a size 3 ball, for both years.U8 moves from half a field to a quarter field (33m x 35m).
A safety and welfare variation kept as players get bigger and stronger.Lifting is introduced without a defensive contest so the skill can be learned safely.Two years of skill development in U9&10 allows for a clear focus on the tackle, the tackle contest and the scrum.A smaller area increases touches, involvement and decision making for every player.
Longer matches, bigger ballReady for the full lineoutContested scrum, push capped at 1.5m5 player scrum, no pushTackle contest capped at 2 per team
2 x 30 minute halves, with a size 5 ball for male teams and size 4.5 for female teams.Both teams can now jump, lift and compete.6 players including a No.8, with no wheel beyond 45 degrees.Full engagement but no push. The feeding team wins the ball.A maximum of 2 players per team can join the tackle contest.
The game steps closer to senior rugby as players grow.Players arrive having already learned to lift and be lifted at U11&12, before they meet a contest at the lineout.The contest arrives in stages, with safety limits built in.Players learn to engage safely before any contest arrives.Players learn their roles at the tackle contest and how to position themselves to win the ball.
Tackle below the sternumOpportunity for every player to try every roleNo kickingNo scrum, lineout or maul
All contact must be below the base of the sternum, the same law from U8.Players get the opportunity to try the different roles within game play.No kicking in general play.Every restart is a tap and pass, and there is no maul.
When community rugby lowered the legal tackle height, tacklers bent lower, made fewer head contacts, and concussion and injury rates fell.Children aged 6 to 12 develop best by sampling many roles, with specialising left until later.Priority is given to developing players’ core skills of catch, pass, carry and support.Fewer stoppages, more ball in play and a focus on learning the core skills.
Blue cardTackle contest understandingOpportunity for every player to try every roleCoach on the field
The referee can remove a player for suspected concussion by showing a blue card.The tackle contest is fully contested, with no limit on numbers, under one clear law.Players get the opportunity to try the different roles within game play.One coach per team stays on the field for every match.
If in doubt, sit them out.Clarity for all participants on the roles and actions at the tackle contest.Children aged 6 to 12 develop best by sampling many roles, with specialising left until later.To guide players, support the referee and ensure a positive experience.
Kicking is introduced as a skillGame Balance Law at 40 points
Kicking and conversions are introduced, without the 50/22 or drop goals.If the margin reaches 40 points, the trailing coach chooses to mix the teams, play on or end the game.
Skills are progressively introduced, with kicking added once passing and running are developed.So every child has a meaningful and positive experience. Children play for enjoyment, not to win.