March 10, 2023

Safety. I heard rugby is dangerous. Is this really a sport for children?

• Rugby is a contact sport and certainly has its risks. However, just like other contact sports, the quality of coaching, enforcement of the rules of the game, and adherence to proper safety protocols have rugby with less risk of injury on average than American football and similar to soccer.

• Dynamic in nature, rugby has many different transitions (mauls, rucks, scrums, lineouts) and the standard advancement down the rugby pitch (field). Along with tackling, all areas are modified and developed according to the age level and experience of the player. This means new players are not just thrown into the full-contact version of 15v15 rugby with no experience.

Where will the location of practice and games be?

• For the month of March, practices will be at a field donated via a private residence. Beginning in April, practices and matches will be at the recreation fields in Quonset (where the North Kingstown Lacrosse league plays)

Isn’t there different versions of rugby and different number-sized teams?

• Yes and yes. Globally there is Rugby Union and Rugby League. While many of the rules are similar, Rugby Union is more popular in the Northern Hemisphere and the version that is played here.
• The popular variations of the game are 15v15, 10v10, and 7v7. Most youth programs and many high school programs are 7v7. They each have their unique advantages and dynamics – but most of the rules are the same.
• Our athletes start with 7v7 and may play in 10s or 15s. While 7s is where players may start, it does not mean 7s are only for beginners – it has it’s own super-fast pace and caters to a particular form of rugby.

Youth sports can be very expensive. What are the costs of my child playing rugby?

• Rugby is probably one of the least expensive team sports available. Sure, it’s still a grass-roots level sport in the United States, but because there is minimal gear and the largest expense tends to be the rental of a field, the cost to play in a season tends to be less than a couple of hundred dollars – or much less! This does tend to depend on the goals of a team, fundraising efforts, the perceived “must-haves” like full pro-level jerseys, and overhead costs of each respective organizing body.
• Typical bare costs:
  • 1. USA Rugby Membership (annually): $5-$45
  • 2. Local Rugby Association Fee: $0 and up depending on sponsorships, volunteer efforts and goals of the particular organization.
  • 3. Cleats: typically, rugby, soccer, and most times – football cleats are OK – in most cases. So, it depends on what your want. Or just plan sneakers! (not recommended for middle school and higher ages)
  • 4. Mouthguard: ~$10-$20
  • 5. Helmet and other protective gear: $50 and up. Once an athlete gets to the age of tackling, it is usually up to the individual/family whether or not to get the protective gear. Because the contact in 7th grade and higher is tackle and the rules are strict, the style of tackle is different and goal is safe, continuous play. However, safety and confidence is paramount – so it is encouraged to have the gear.

Do boys and girls play together?

• Depending on the size of respective programs, and ration of volunteers/coaches, boys and girls can practice together. Competition typically has boys and girls playing seperately.

What is the time commitment? Length of Season? Frequency of games? Travel?

• The main season is typically from April through July. Games are usually on weekends, but it can vary, but typically once per week at most. Travel can be varied as rugby is still lower on the youth popularity scale, travel to Connecticut and Massachusetts are common occurrences.
• Practices can be once or more a week. The goal for Southern Rhode Island Rugby is to provide as much opportunity as possible for all ages. We are going to try to aim for three times per week, but it will depend on interest level and number of volunteers.

Who would we play against?

• There are three main divisions in southeastern New England:
  • 1. Rhode Island Rugby
  • 2. Massachusetts Youth Rugby
  • 3. Connecticut Youth Rugby

• Depending of the age/level of rugby will determine who and how often competition is.

Rugby has a reputation of being a rough sport and post-game activities like alcohol and the like, should I be concerned?

• In the 1990s and earlier, rugby in the US was sporadically regulated. Yes, there were many collegiate club teams and adult organizations that would engage in post-match social activities. However, the collegiate portion has become much more refined and certainly many of the adult activities do not belong at the youth level and are not encouraged during any sanctioned event /venue.

Jerseys! Will we have cool uniforms/jerseys?

• While we love the jerseys, it will be a group decision as we move forward. It depends on the collect wants, needs, and financial resources available. Our primary goal is to learn and play the game….but I personally agree, I would like cool jerseys too – and will try to work toward making that happen!

What You’ll Learn:

I will do my best to answer any questions you may have and hope to enjoy watching our kids play a fun sport and build many wonderful memories.