Girls' Rugby
Are you looking for a sport where your daughter can be active, be a valued team player and grow her confidence?
Rugby union is one of the fastest-growing sports for girls, and in England there are more than 800 clubs offering the opportunity for girls to play rugby.
The success of the Red Roses has shown that rugby union is a game where females can thrive, and with a home Rugby World Cup heading to England in 2025, alongside huge ongoing growth in the grassroots game, it’s an exciting time for girls playing rugby union.
It's important for girls growing up to have that sense of confidence rugby gives you.
Tatyana Heard
Red Roses
What girls have to say about playing rugby.
Early Years and Primary School Age
From early years to Year 3 (U8s) girls play non-contact rugby, usually in mixed teams with boys.
At U9, U10, U11 (Year 4, 5, 6) girls and boys can transition into contact rugby.
During these years teams can still be mixed, however, there is an increasing number of girls-only teams.
Girls and boys can play together in a mixed team until Year 7 (U12), when they separate, and girls will move into girls-only teams.
The expectation is for young people to play in their own year group, however at Year 6 (U11) girls can opt to play in the Year 7 (U12) girls’ team.
Secondary School Age
After Year 7, girls play in two-year age bands, Year 8 & 9 (U14), Year 10 & 11 (U16), Year 12 & 13 (U18).
The introduction of new rules, skills and pitch sizes are carefully managed to support girls’ development as their ability and confidence develops in technical elements of rugby union, such as tackling, kicking, scrummaging and line outs.
