In Canterbury, Junior Rugby are the grades from Under 6 through to Under 13 and includes the Rippa Rugby, Rip Rugby and Small Blacks versions of the game.

Rip Rugby is non-contact and easy-to-play. While the rules are simple and the game easy to learn, Rip Rugby promotes excellent ball handling and running skills and gives all players a chance to participate in a game similar to Rugby Sevens. Under 6 and Under 7 grades are Rippa Rugby which is slightly different to Rip Rugby which has Under 8/9 and Under 10/11 Rip Rugby grades. These older grades have been created for children that wish to play non-contact Rugby.

Once children join the Under 8 grade, they have a Tackle Clinic prior to the season before tackling is introduced into their games which continues through the all the grades above (other than those specifically for Rip Rugby). Each of the grades have slightly different conditions including player numbers, field size, game length and ball size, while the rules of the game vary in regards to kick offs, conversions, lineouts, penalties and scrums. Click here to learn more about the differences between grades.

Our three Sub-Unions (Ellesmere, Metro and North Canterbury) manage various grades within this age range. At the Under 13 grade, a girls only competition has been created which includes teams from all three Sub Unions and managed by Metro. Below are the grades that each Sub Union manages.

Registrations for Junior Rugby can be completed through your local Club or online - please click the button below to Register online.

Please note that age grades are based on children's age as at 1st January 2021.