Field Set up & Laws
Field set up & laws
Junior rugby rules
Young players are introduced to Rugby Union through a ‘pathway’ programme that gives children opportunties to develop skills and confidence.
The Australian Rugby Union Junior Player Pathway offers different games to ensure girls and boys are introduced in a safe and fun manner, based on in-depth research conducted into children in sport and development.
Below is a summary of the pathway games. For more detail, download the Modified games coordinators handbook (PDF).
| Code | Ages | Pitch size | Per side | Themes | Laws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walla | U6, U7 | 1/4 field Mud map |
7 | Non-tackling (two handed tag), concentrating on passing, catching and running skills. |  Laws of Walla Rugby |
| Mini | U8, U9 | 1/2 field Mud map |
10 | Continues the theme of free flowing, running and passing rugby action, but includes elements of tackle, continuity, ruck and maul. | Laws of Mini Rugby |
| Midi | U10, U11 | Full field length, to 5m from touchline Mud map |
15 | Stepping stone to the full game, with more elements of the U19 game introduced. | Laws of Midi Rugby |
| U12 upwards | Full field Mud map |
15 | Full game, as per modified U19 rules. | Laws of U19 Rugby |
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