GROW THE GAME, GET KIDS PLAYING

Growing rugby is a shared effort. Whether you're a new player learning the game for the first time, an experienced player looking to improve your skills, a parent learning alongside your child, a coach planning your next practice, a volunteer helping build a club, or someone starting a new rugby program, every contribution helps strengthen our rugby community.

Getting started can seem overwhelming. New players may not know the rules, parents may be unfamiliar with the sport, coaches may be looking for fresh ideas, and new clubs often wonder where to begin. That's exactly why this resource exists.

Here you'll find practical information for every stage of the rugby journey. New players can learn the fundamentals and build confidence, while experienced players can refine their skills and deepen their understanding of the game. Coaches, teachers, volunteers, and new clubs will find resources to help create safe, enjoyable, and successful rugby programs.

This website is intended as an introduction—a practical starting point rather than a comprehensive coaching manual. Once you've mastered the basics, we encourage you to continue your rugby education through more advanced resources, such as those provided by World Rugby (see Rugby Laws and Online Learning) and your national rugby union. Rugby is a game of lifelong learning, and there's always something new to discover..

Above all, remember that rugby is about people. The best programs—and the best players—are built on fun, learning, camaraderie, teamwork, safety, respect, and personal development. Focus on these principles, and the rugby will follow.

Together, we can grow the game—one player, one coach, one club, and one community at a time.

Whether you're starting a school PE program, after-school activity, youth club, community club, or adult program, rugby is one of the easiest and most rewarding sports to introduce.

Why Introduce Rugby?

• Cost-effective – All you need to get started is a rugby ball, a few cones, and an open space
• Easy to teach – The basic skills can be learned quickly, and coaches or teachers don't need years of rugby experience to run enjoyable sessions
• Perfect for beginners – Most participants are new to the game, creating a level playing field where everyone learns and develops together
• Flexible – Rugby can be played indoors or outdoors, on almost any field or gym, and with virtually any number of players
• Safe and fun – Non-Contact **TAG/Touch Rugby** provides an exciting, inclusive, and safe introduction to the sport
• Inclusive – Rugby welcomes boys and girls, men and women, and players of all shapes, sizes, and athletic abilities. Many youth programs, including those in Rugby Virginia, offer **COED TAG Rugby**
• Highly engaging – Every player is involved in attack and defense, keeping everyone active, learning, and having fun

Rugby develops much more than athletic ability. Participants build skills that benefit them both on and off the field, including:

• Improved fitness and conditioning
• Better communication and teamwork
• Decision-making under pressure
• Leadership and responsibility
• Hand-eye coordination
• Agility, balance, and body awareness
• Safe movement and tackling techniques (where appropriate)
• Confidence, resilience, and respect for others

Rugby isn't just another sport—it's an outstanding tool for developing healthier, more confident, and more capable young people while creating a fun, positive, and welcoming environment for everyone.

RUGBY RESOURCES

Learn about positions and how to play them. Study each position, video coaching, tips and analysis of each.

Learn how playing rugby helps football players, and other athletes

Learn the Laws, and the phases of play: rucks, scrums, lineouts, etc

Learn more about rugby at our

YouTube Channel