Tournament Rules
Apart from the amendments below the iRB Laws of the Game for Under 8 to Under 16 apply at all times.
Under 7 To Under 12 Inclusive
| Age Group | Type of Rugby | Pitch Size | Ball Size | Start of Game | Tackling | Rucking/ Mauling |
Scrums | Line-Outs | Kicking | Hand off/ Fend off |
Cautions | No of Players |
| Under 8 | Non Contact Mini Rugby | 60x30 Metres | Size 3 | Free Pass 2 Metres Max | Tag Tackle Turnover on 7th Tag | None | Free Pass | Free Pass From Touch Line | No Kicking Allowed | No Hand off/Fend off | No cautions. Referee asks for offending player to be substituted | Up to 7 |
| Under 9 | Mini Rugby | 60x35 Metres | Size 3 | Free Pass 2 Metres Max | Full Contact Tackling As Per RFU Laws | Rucking & Mauling As Per RFU Laws | 3-Players Uncontested | 2-Players Uncontested | No Kicking Allowed | No Hand off/Fend off | No cautions. Referee asks for offending player to be substituted | 9 (3 Forwards, 6 Backs) |
| Under 10 | Mini Rugby | 60x35 Metres | Size 4 | Free Pass 2 Metres Max | Full Contact Tackling As Per RFU Laws | Rucking & Mauling As Per RFU Laws | 3-Players Contested | 2-Players Contested | No Kicking Allowed | No Hand off/Fend off | No cautions. Referee asks for offending player to be substituted | 9 (3 Forwards, 6 Backs) |
| Under 11 | Midi Rugby | 60x43 Metres | Size 4 | Drop Kick From Centre Line | Full Contact Tackling As Per RFU Laws | Rucking & Mauling As Per RFU Laws | 5-Players Contested | 4-Players Contested | Allowed But No Hacking (Kicking Loose Ball On The Ground) | No Hand off/Fend off | No cautions. Referee asks for offending player to be substituted | 12 (5 Forwards, 7 Backs) |
| Under 12 | Midi Rugby | 60x43 Metres | Size 4 | Drop Kick From Centre Line | Full Contact Tackling As Per RFU Laws | Rucking & Mauling As Per RFU Laws | 5-Players Contested | 4-Players Contested | Allowed But No Hacking (Kicking Loose Ball On The Ground) | No Hand off/Fend off | No cautions. Referee asks for offending player to be substituted | 13 (6 Forwards, 7 Backs) |
Please Note: For Under 7’s to Under 12's a win is declared if any team exceeds 30 points.
Under 13 To Under 16 Inclusive
Temporary Suspension Sin bin Protocol – Law 10
As per the adult game the player will remain in the Sin Bin for ten minutes actual playing time. The player will stand out of the field of play, in the vicinity of the half way line, at a place readily identifiable to the referee. The player must be under the control of the teachers and coaches. The player should not be isolated and should be given warm clothing to wear whilst serving the temporary suspension.
Under 13 To Under 16 Inclusive
Squeeze Ball - Law 14 and 15
No player involved in a match at any age level from under 18 downwards shall use in training or in a match the technique known or referred to as Squeeze ball. Note: ''Squeeze ball'' is a technique where the ball carrier goes to ground, head forward (touching or close to the ground), irrespective of immediate contact with opponents) usually keeping parallel to the touchline, holding and protecting the ball close to the chest and, when on the ground, pushes the ball back between the legs.
Penalty: Penalty Kick
Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15
Line-out - Law 19
Lifting/supporting is prohibited in these age groups, i.e. a player may not bind to a jumper until that player has returned to the ground.
Penalty: Penalty Kick.
Scrum - Law 20
The scrum-half not throwing the ball into the scrum must not move beyond the middle line of the scrum until the ball has emerged from the scrum or an opponent has placed his hands on the ball. In the event of a strike against the head, the scrum-half who has thrown the ball into the scrum is similarly restricted in not following the ball.