What to expect at your child's first rugby practice

The short answer

A first rugby practice is usually relaxed: a warm-up, some games to learn the basics of passing and running, and a short talk about rules and safety. Nobody expects a beginner to know the game. Bring a water bottle, wear sports clothes and be ready to run. Contact is usually introduced slowly, and at the youngest ages it may not be part of practice at all.

Before you go

• Confirm the time, place and which field or pitch to use. Rugby fields are often shared with other sports.
• Ask what your child should wear. Standard items are shorts, a shirt and sturdy shoes or boots as allowed by the club. See our youth rugby equipment checklist.
• Ask if a mouthguard is required on day one. Many programs require one for contact.
• Fill out any registration and medical forms the club sends, and tell the coach about any health conditions.
• Pack water, a snack if your club allows one, and a change of clothes. Grass and mud are common.

What a practice usually looks like

1. Arrival and welcome. The coach greets new players, takes attendance and may pair them with a buddy.
2. Warm-up. Light jogging, dynamic stretches and simple games to get moving.
3. Skill work. Passing, catching, running with the ball and learning to pass backward while running forward.
4. Small-sided games. Players apply the skills in short, simple games with few rules.
5. Contact introduction, if applicable. At older ages, a coach may teach tackling or falling techniques step by step with pads or mats.
6. Cool-down and talk. A short review, a reminder of the next date, and a chance to ask questions.

The exact structure varies from club to club and coach to coach.

The first few rules your child will hear

• Pass backward or sideways. Forward passes are not allowed. See rugby rules for beginners.
• Stay onside. Players must stay behind the ball when a teammate has it.
• Look after teammates. Safety instructions come first, and the coach will explain them.
• Listen to the whistle. A whistle means stop and listen.

Helping a nervous beginner

Feeling nervous before a first practice is normal. Some things that help:

• Visit the field beforehand or arrive a little early to meet the coach.
• Remind your child that every player in the group was new once.
• Ask your child what part they are most curious about, and tell the coach.
• Let them tell you when they are ready to try something, and avoid pushing them into contact before they feel comfortable.

What parents usually do

Many clubs welcome parents on the sideline. Others ask you to drop off. Ask what is expected. Cheer, stay calm and let the coach coach. Resist the urge to call out instructions to your child, since mixed messages are confusing, especially during a new sport.

Common first-practice mistakes

• Showing up without a mouthguard when one is required.
• Wearing metal-tipped or unauthorized studs. Ask which are allowed.
• Arriving without water.
• Expecting a full game on day one. Practices focus on skills.
• Comparing your child to others. Everyone starts at a different place.

Questions to ask the coach

• Is the first season non-contact or phased contact?
• How do you teach tackling, and who is trained to teach it?
• What is the plan for a player who gets hurt or feels unwell?
• How are teams chosen, and how much playing time will each child get?
• What is the schedule for practices and matches?

To plan the whole season, see how to prepare for rugby season.

What happens after the first practice

Expect to hear about the schedule, any matches or festivals, and how to join the team's communication channels. Some clubs offer a few free trial sessions before asking you to register, so it is fine to take your time. Afterward, ask your child what they liked and whether they want to go back. A new sport takes a few sessions to feel comfortable, so give it at least a few before deciding.

A note on clothes and weather

Rugby is played outdoors in most weather. Layers work well, since children warm up quickly but can get cold standing around. Pack a dry set of clothes and a bag for muddy ones. Remove jewelry before practice, since it can catch during play, and tie back long hair. Ask the club about any other rules on kit.

Trying before you commit

It is perfectly reasonable to treat the first practice as a trial. Watch how the coach speaks to the children, how safety is handled, and whether the players look like they are having fun. A positive, organized session with clear instructions and plenty of activity is a good sign. If something feels off, trust that feeling and ask about it. A good club welcomes questions and will be glad you asked.

You can also look at how the club treats beginners compared with experienced players. The best programs make sure everyone gets time with the ball and nobody is left standing around, which is a quality worth looking for whatever the sport.

Finally, be patient with yourself too. New parents often feel lost at a first practice, because the terms, kit and routines are unfamiliar. Other parents and the coach have been in the same place, and most are glad to explain how things work. Our rugby terms for new parents glossary can help you follow the conversation on the sideline.

It also helps to talk with your child on the way home about what felt good, what felt strange and what they would like to try next time. Those small conversations build confidence and help you and the coach support them.

Sources and further reading

1. Player Welfare World Rugby
2. Equipment World Rugby
3. Non Contact Activities World Rugby
4. Preventing Children's Sports Injuries Nemours KidsHealth

Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.

Frequently asked questions

What should my child bring to a first rugby practice?

Water, sports clothes, sturdy shoes or boots as allowed by the club and a mouthguard if one is required. Ask the club for its list.

Do beginners tackle at the first practice?

Usually not. Many programs introduce contact gradually and some start with no contact at all.

What if my child is nervous about trying rugby?

That is normal. Arriving early, meeting the coach and letting your child go at their own pace usually helps.

Do parents stay at rugby practice?

It varies by club. Some welcome parents on the sideline and others ask for drop-off, so ask the coach.

How long is a youth rugby practice?

It varies by club and age group, so ask the coach for the schedule.