WHAT IS RUGBY?
Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Many people are familiar with rugby as a fringe sport, but you may be surprised to learn that it is actually the second most popular sport in the world behind soccer. In fact, in Europe, Australia and South Africa, the teams and players are elevated to a star status that exceeds that of NFL players in the United States! Many teams fill 80,000 seat stadiums for international match play.
The allure of rugby is easy to understand yet hard to explain. It focuses on respect and teamwork. All players play both defense and offense at any given time during a game. And, most appealing is the fact that there is a position for everyone who wants to play – large or thin, short or tall. Above all, rugby is a social sport that praises competition but demands good sportsmanship.
Some interesting facts about the sport of Rugby:
Here is some additional information about Youth and High School rugby:
Youth Rugby Frequenty Asked Questions
Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Many people are familiar with rugby as a fringe sport, but you may be surprised to learn that it is actually the second most popular sport in the world behind soccer. In fact, in Europe, Australia and South Africa, the teams and players are elevated to a star status that exceeds that of NFL players in the United States! Many teams fill 80,000 seat stadiums for international match play.
The allure of rugby is easy to understand yet hard to explain. It focuses on respect and teamwork. All players play both defense and offense at any given time during a game. And, most appealing is the fact that there is a position for everyone who wants to play – large or thin, short or tall. Above all, rugby is a social sport that praises competition but demands good sportsmanship.
Some interesting facts about the sport of Rugby:
- Played in over 120 countries throughout the world. Second largest sport in the world.
- Men and women, boys and girls play by the same rules.
- There are both non-contact and contact versions of the game, making it appropriate for all age levels.
- Rugby is all-inclusive - Everyone can play no matter what size, shape, or athletic ability!
- Rugby is a sport that involves cardiovascular endurance, strength, agility, and so many other health benefits.
- Rugby is a great cross-over sport, with many of the same skills that can be found in other sports like basketball, football, soccer, and many more!
- Rugby 7’s is now included in the 2016 Olympic Games, increasing the popularity of the sport for both boys and girls.
Here is some additional information about Youth and High School rugby:
Youth Rugby Frequenty Asked Questions
| youth-rugby-faq.pdf |
Spectators Guide to Rugby
| spectator-guide.pdf |
Is Rugby Safe?
| is-rugby-safe.pdf |
WHAT IS ROOKIE RUGBY?
Rookie Rugby is the US brand of flag rugby. Rookie Rugby is a safe, non-contact, easy to play game for both boys and girls of all ages! It is a game that introduces the kids to the sport of rugby, where everyone gets to pass, catch, run and score with the ball. Youth rugby is played with flags to simulate and replace the tackle. Kids will learn about all the unique parts of rugby, like the ‘scrum’ and the ‘line-out’, in a fun, safe and non-contact environment. The rules are simple, the game is easy to learn, and minimal equipment is required.
HOW DO YOU PLAY ROOKIE RUGBY AND HOW IS IT SIMILAR TO OTHER SPORTS?
Teammates will run with the ball in their hands, passing the ball among them, looking to run between or around the opposition to score in the end zone. Several skills like running, passing, spacing and decision-making, are the same skills that are used in soccer, football, and basketball.
Do you want to learn how to play Rookie Rugby? Checkout our guidebook!
IS ROOKIE RUGBY PLAYED UNDER THE SAME RULES AND LAWS AS REAL RUGBY?
No. Youth rugby laws are amended to provide a fun and safe opportunity for kids to learn the sport.
ARE THERE SPECIAL SKILLS NECESSARY TO START PLAYING ROOKIE RUGBY?
No special skills are necessary to begin. If kids can pass, and catch a ball while running, they’ll be a star. Remember, tackling will be replaced with flags. Kids will concentrate on the skills of passing, running, kicking and positional play.
WILL YOUTH RUGBY HELP MY KID IN OTHER SPORTS?
Rugby is excellent preparation for any team sport. The game will get kids in excellent shape. They’ll improve their ability to read defenses. Their passing and footwork will be vastly improved for their other sports.
IN SOME SPORTS MY KIDS PLAY NOW, THEY HARDLY TOUGH THE BALL. WILL THAT HAPPEN IN ROOKIE RUGBY?
No! Teamwork is very important and because there are no downs in rugby, the ball keeps moving around the field. Everyone touches the ball! Everyone runs with the ball! Everyone passes the ball! Everyone scores!!!
FREE RESOURCES FOR ROOKIE RUGBY
Check out the Rookie Rugby YouTube page to watch videos on fun games, skills, and activities.
USA Youth and High School Rugby
USA Youth and High School Rugby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organized in Washington, D.C. and affiliate of USA Rugby. YHS are the sole Sanctioned Governing Body for all youth rugby in the United States which includes community and school based programs for players ages 5 – 18. To learn more about USA Youth & High School Rugby, go to https://usayhsrugby.org/ and follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
