Welcome to Pōneke Junior Rugby 2024

The Pōneke Junior Club offers all new and returning players and their families, the opportunity to belong to a club that prides itself on providing all our players with quality coaching to learn, develop, and play New Zealand’s number one sport – RUGBY.  


What Grades are available?

Junior Rugby is available in non-contact Rippa Rugby and contact Tackle Rugby. Grades are aligned with School Year Groups so you have the best chance of playing with your mates.

  • Nursery Grade for all Under 5s 

    Nursey Grade is held indoors in the Toitu Poneke Hub Green Room and concentrates on fun skills and games with lots of Parent involvment.     Nursery Grade sessions are held first thing Saturday morning during the season.

  • Rippa Rugby for all age groups 5 years and older

    Rippa Rugby is a very safe, non-contact, easy to play game for both boys and girls alike. Best of all it's fun and exciting for all involved. While the rules are simple and the game easy to learn, Rippa Rugby will promote excellent ball handling and running skills, and give all kids a chance to participate in our national game.

    Rippa Rugby is available in the following Grades matching School Years and there are no weight restrictions as it is all non-contact. Girls and Boys play in mixed teams.

    Year 0/1 Rippa Grade  (mostly Under 6)
    Year 2 Rippa Grade      (mostly Under 7)
    Year 3/4 Combined Rip Rugby  (mostly Under 8/9)
    Year 5/6 Combined Rip Rugby  (mostly Under 10/11)
    Year 7/8 Combined Rip Rugby  (mostly Under 12/13)

    Rippa Rugby is played on Friday Nights and Saturday Mornings during the Season. There will be typically one team training day during the week to be decided by the Coach.

  • Tackle Rugby for all age groups 7 years and older

    Kids can start playing tackle rugby once they reach the School Year 3 or Under 8. This is when they will learn how to play rugby in small development steps starting with how to tackle safely. 

    Tackle Rugby is available in the following Grades matching School Years. There are no weight restrictions for tackle grades. There is allowance for lighter players to play in a lower grade. Girls and Boys play in mixed teams.

    Use the following table to find your player's Tackle grade (reminder non-contact Rippa grades are available for all year groups).

Year of School

Weight Restriction

Grade

Criteria for Club Approved Dispensations

Y3

None

Y3 Tackle

optional move to Y3/4 Combined Rip

Y4

None

Y4 Tackle

Under 27kg optional Dispensation to Y3 Or Y3/4 Combined Rip

Y5

None

Y5 Tackle

Under 30kg optional Dispensation to Y4




If player over 60kg subject to GPR Policy

Y6

None

Y6 Tackle

Under 35kg optional Dispensation to Y5




If player is over 65kg subject to GPR Policy

Y7

None

Y7 Tackle

Y7 Under 40kg optional Dispensation to Y6

Y8 Cannot move down to Y6

Player over 70kg subject to GPR policy

Y8

None

Y8 Tackle

Y8 Under 50kg optional Dispensation to Y7

Players over 80kg subject to GPR policy


Note 1. Grade Playing Restriction Policy (GPR) Policy Key Points:

  • Player cannot run off back of scrum (Y7/8)
  • Player cannot be first receiver for tap penalties 5m out
  • Players must not be used as battering rams in general play
  • Subs must be made on ¼ time, no rolling subs.


Tackle Rugby is played on Friday Nights and Saturday Mornings during the Season. There will be typically one team training day during the week to be decided by the Coach.


How do I Register?

You must Register online at the Junior Rugby Player Registration (2024) option on this site.

Once submitted you will still need to weigh in and to pick up your child's rugby jersey on the scheduled Registration Day which are posted on the registration form.​​​​

It is easiest if you complete the registration form ONLINE before coming to a registration day to save time. 


What do I get?

  • Great Coaching by committed Volunteers
  • Fifteen scheduled games of Junior Rugby
  • Pōneke Rugby Jersey (to be returned at end of season)
  • Mouth-guard

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How much does it cost?

  • $65 - Single Pōneke Player Registration (Rippa/Rip/Tackle)
  • $115 - Two or more Pōneke Player Registrations (Rippa/Rip/Tackle)
  • $35 - Pōneke Pup Player Registration (Nursery Grade only)


How do I pay?

    Payment can be done online during your online registration using your Debit or Credit Card.

    Payment in person at a Registration Day can be made by Cash, Debit or Credit Card.

    Players will not be issued with Jersey until full payment is received.


    What other Gear do I need to buy?

    You will need to buy your Rugby Player some suitable Rugby Boots, Pōneke Club Socks and Red Shorts. These can be purchased from Kilbirnie Sports who offer a 10% discount for Poneke Junior Rugby Members.

    You can also pickup and trade pre-owned boots and other gear at the Pōneke​​​​​​​ Junior Buy-Sell-Swap Gear Site.

    Pōneke​​​​​​​ Junior Apparell including Beanies, Hoodies, Bags and other gear will be available during season.



    “You don’t just play, You belong!”

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