Northland Rugby is all about changing lives and empowering our tamariki through the game of rugby. Teams ignite confidence, inspire new pathways and drive change. This season more than ever we are here to help your child get the most out of being part of a team.

In Northland, 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 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.


To learn more about each way to play rugby visit the links below.