Minis Rugby U6 – U9

The Minis operate under the Pathways Laws that provide a series of age-specific modified rugby games. The philosophy of the modified laws is focused around safe and inclusive participation for the players, making the game safer so as to ensure each player receives the greatest possible participation and enjoyment from playing rugby.

The aim of the modified rugby game is to develop the individual skills, fitness and teamwork of all players in accordance with their physical maturity and understanding of the game.

At U6-U7 level, players play a 7 a side non-contact TAG format where evasion is more important than contact. This is intended to be a FUN, safe and non-competitive introduction to rugby union and all players will develop fundamental skills, such as catch, pass, and running, which will be critical elements of the game as they progress through the age groups.

At U8-U9 level, players are introduced to the tackle concept with contact format initiated initially in 7 a side, which increases to 10 a side in U9. In this regard great focus is placed on providing players with the correct technique to allow them to progress to this stage with confidence and with player safety and welfare paramount.

Minis play on Saturday mornings with games centred around the Eastwood district limiting travel and providing for a Village style competition. The philosophy with our Minis is that each age group will train as a squad on their designated evening and subject to the numbers of children, will then be divided into teams for the game on the Saturday morning.

Through U6,7, U7 & U8’s the emphasis is very much focussed on basic skill development, enjoyment, playing with your friends and nurturing a love of the game.
Ages U6’s to U9’s is not graded, however this process begins to slightly differ as the players progress through U9’s where the coaches start to transition the mindset of each player into preparation for grading that occurs when the players reach Juniors in the U10’s.

The U9’s continues to be a non-graded competition. However, throughout the year, while training as a squad, each U9 coach will look at the development and growth of each player, playing them in multiple positions throughout the season, so both player and coach can start to feel confident in their preferences.
This is achieved by not having ‘set’ teams, but by balancing different teams every game, so to showcase the talent of each player in their preferred positions. Communication is the key to success and the coaching team will provide regular feedback to both parents and players alike of areas of strength and improvement.
As teams vary on a weekly basis, players will be required to play alongside different people each game, highlighting teamwork and friendship.

This sets the foundation for moving into Juniors at age U10’s, with everyone having a better understanding of positional play, and level of skill. Expectations can be managed through the season with parents and players, so there is not a distinct gap with misalignment when they move into the Juniors competition, where grading begins.