Rugby Union is introduced to young players gradually through the Junior Player Pathway, giving children the best opportunity to develop their sporting skills and confidence in the safest possible environment.
Modified Games - Walla, Mini, Midi
The Junior Player Pathway includes three modified versions of the game - Walla, Mini & Midi. These modified games are designed to introduce children to the skills and tactical concepts of Rugby in a safe and fun manner. They give both girls and boys the opportunity to develop their sporting skills and confidence.
These games have been specially adapted to be more suitable for the player’s stage of life, physical capability, health status, skill level and previous experience. They are safe to play yet still challenging.
The modified Rugby games are also incorporated in a curriculum school-based EdRugby program and community TryRugby program.
Walla Rugby. 7 - 8 years
Walla Rugby is a simple non-tackling introduction to the game that gives children the opportunity to use the ball by combining the skills of passing, catching and running. It is played on a smaller field with only seven players to ensure all the players have maximum involvement.
Mini Rugby. 9 - 10 years
Mini Rugby continues the theme of free-flowing running and passing Rugby action. Most importantly, it introduces the young player to the contact elements of the game such as tackle, ruck and maul. Mini is played on a smaller field with 10 players in each team.
Midi Rugby. 11 - 12 years
Midi rugby is the stepping-stone to the full game. It is played between twelve or fifteen players on a standard size field, with more elements of the Under 19 game being introduced. It continues the theme and principles of Mini Rugby with a greater emphasis on the contest for possession. Midi Rugby is the final modified game before players reach U19 laws at 13 year of age.
These forms of Rugby provide a learning environment for appropriate age groups that stimulates interest and maximises participation.
The Junior Player Pathway provides children with a safe and enjoyable introduction to the skills and tactical principles of the game of Rugby Union. It allows young players to be introduced to skills at a pace appropriate to their age and physical development.
Irrespective of size, body shape or ability, players are given the opportunity to reach their potential in a caring, fun and safe environment.
Why should my child be involved in the Junior Player Pathway?
- The Junior Player Pathway provides kids with a safe and enjoyable introduction to the skills and tactical principles of the game of rugby union;
- It allows young players to be introduced to skills at a pace appropriate to their age and physical development;
Irrespective of size, body shape or ability, players are given the opportunity to reach their potential in a caring, fun and safe environment; - Pathway games provide the basic skills and understanding of set plays through the modified scrum, maul and lineout situations;
- The desirable qualities of rugby - sportsmanship and fair play - are positively rewarded, with minimal emphasis on competition;
- At all times safety is a paramount consideration. Pathway Laws have been specifically designed to provide a safe environment for both male and female players, while learning relevant skills;
- With your support, you will see your child's coordination, confidence, self-esteem and social skills improve immensely in a very short period of time. This will help to provide a good basis of health, fitness and motor skills for future years.
For more information contact
Carl Jones
Ph: (08) 8232 7101
Email: carl.jones@sarugby.com.au
All players, coaches and referees are required to undergo SmartRugby training, the ARU’s scientifically designed safe playing program. MiniRugby brings in the basics of contact in preparation for safe and effective tackling, whilst MidiRugby further develops sound tackling techniques in conjunction with more sophisticated tactics and skills training.