T1 Rugby emphasises fun, fitness, and inclusion, providing a welcoming and safe environment for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
It is the first non-contact form of the game to include lineouts, scrums, kicking, and breakdowns, while remaining simple to play. T1 Rugby can be played by mixed-gender teams, ensuring inclusivity and enjoyment for everyone.
Game Format & Implementation
The basics:
• Seven players per side with rolling, unlimited subs
• Played on half a pitch
• Seven touches to score
• 20-minute games (10 minutes per half)
What's new?
• Kicking in open play and to restart the game
• A non-contact breakdown formed of five players (three from the defending team and two from the attacking team)
• Scrums with three players from each side (no engagement, no push, no contest)
• Lineouts with three players from each side (no lifting, no contest)
Adaptations:
• Can be played with or without tags and at running or walking pace
• Mixed gender and mixed ages (provided all RFU regulations are followed)
• Pitch size, team size, match length can be adapted to the needs of your team.
• Rules such as kicking can be removed.
For a full outline of how to play the game, please see:
• Game infographic
• Game rules infographic
• How to play (short rules) infographic
• How to play (long rules) document
Education Resources
We have a comprehensive package of resources, designed by teachers for teachers, to help anyone—regardless of prior knowledge or experience—to deliver T1 Rugby with confidence. Our resources include:
6-week lesson plans:
• Stage 1 plans (suitable for primary, or non-specialist PE staff)
• Stage 2 plans
• How to introduce and progress T1 Rugby support video
• T1 Rugby eLearning - coming soon
• Referee tips
School specific support (linked to stage 1 plans):
• Curriculum maps
• Scheme of work
• Knowledge organiser
• Assessment sheets
Safeguarding
As T1 Rugby can be played mixed ages and genders, it is vital that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
For full Safeguarding regulations please see our Safeguarding page.
Key Regulation to note:
• Regulation 15.6.2
• Players of all ages and both sexes may train and play together in non-competitive, non-contact rugby provided the following conditions are met: (a) Regulation 15.8 is applied; (b) the organiser and/or coach has assessed the session and/or match to be safe for all players; and (c) under no circumstances is any element of contact rugby permitted and the training session and/or match should be conducted in accordance with the best practice principles set out in the Code.
If clubs are interested in mixing ages and genders, a thorough risk assessment must be in place and any amendments required to ensure the safety of the youngest/most vulnerable participant must be implemented. (Ball size, remove kicking etc.)
• Should an incident occur the first request will be for the risk assessment and an understanding of what amendments were made to mitigate the risk.
It is recommended to clubs, but not regulation:
• The tone and nature of the session must be communicated and managed at all times to ensure it remains social and that no element of competition interferes and increases risk.
• Clubs may choose to not mix ages or genders should they feel more appropriate.
Any questions or incidents please contact the RFU Safeguarding team.
