Where to Play
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Whether you are looking to play competitively or play social rugby with friends, clubs offer a wide range of rugby union activities to get involved with. Many will offer both contact and non-contact version of the game, as well as age grade rugby for children.
With over 1,000 clubs across the country, find rugby clubs local to you to see what they offer.
Most clubs will be active on social media and have a website with their contact details. Reach out to the club's coach, team manager or mini and juniors chair to get more information about playing.
Many children start playing rugby in schools. It’s a great place to start, as it provides a safe environment where they can develop transferable skills within other sports, the classroom, and the wider environment. Playing rugby helps children learn meaningful life skills like resilience, commitment, respect, and teamwork.
There are various formats of the game, including contact and non-contact, which allows for a huge variety of physical, psychological, and social skills. At school, boys and girls can play with their friends; rugby is so inclusive, both socially and physically. It’s not just for the fastest or fittest child: whatever size or shape, there’s a place for everyone.
In primary school, rugby is a fun and enjoyable game for all where boys and girls play together. Children younger than six years of age can participate in Early Year’s fun, informal rugby activities. From school year 2, children can take part in tag and non-contact rugby with the child and fun remaining the top priorities. At school year 4, children can start to be introduced to contact rugby and/or continue to play non-contact.
At secondary school (school year 7), for children and schools wanting to play contact, there is a transition to girls only rugby and boys only rugby. For those schools and children not wanting to progress to contact, T1 Rugby is an alternative way to play. This is mixed for girls and boys to play together at all ages. Whatever format is played, secondary school aged boys and girls will have fun whilst they develop skills such as effective communication, strategic leadership, and fast, tactical decision-making.
There are age grade rules of play, regulations, playing formats, competitions and calendar for the season. View our information specific to girl’s rugby.
Boys and girls can start playing rugby in college. It’s a great place to start, as it provides a safe environment where they can develop transferable skills within other sports, the classroom, and the wider environment. Playing rugby helps older children learn meaningful transferable life skills like resilience, commitment, respect, and teamwork.
There are various formats of the game, including contact and non-contact, which allows for a huge variety of physical, psychological, and social skills. At college, boys and girls can play with their friends; rugby is so inclusive, both socially and physically. It’s not just for the fastest or fittest child: whatever size or shape, there’s a place for everyone.
For older children and colleges wanting to play contact, there are options for both girl’s only rugby and boy’s only rugby. For those colleges and children not wanting to play contact, T1 Rugby is an alternative way to play. This is mixed for girls and boys to play together. Whatever format is played, older boys and girls will have fun and will have the opportunity to take part in accessible competitions for all levels, from participation including regional festivals to performance involving national leagues and championships.
There are age grade rules of play, regulations, playing formats, competitions and calendar for the season. View our information specific to girl’s rugby.
Many people start playing rugby at university. With various formats of the game, including contact and non-contact, there are numerous playing options for huge variety of physical, psychological, and social skills. It’s not just for the fastest or fittest person: whatever size or shape, there’s a place for everyone.
There is contact rugby for men and women and for those not wanting to play contact, T1 Rugby (non-contact) and XRugby (reduced contact) are alternative ways to play.
Whichever format, players can take part in competitions, participation events (festivals) and leagues for all levels. British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) provide regular competitive rugby opportunities for students with leagues, knockout competitions, and rugby sevens events. With over 65 leagues across the UK, there is a league suitable for all abilities and experience levels. There are also National Leagues for both male and female players (BUCS Men’s Super Rugby and Women’s Super Rugby ) which allow players to play and develop at a high level.
