Girls' Rugby
Are you looking for a sport where your daughter can be active, be a valued team player and grow her confidence?
Rugby union is one of the fastest-growing sports for girls, and in England there are more than 800 clubs offering the opportunity for girls to play rugby.
The success of the Red Roses has shown that rugby union is a game where females can thrive, and with a home Rugby World Cup heading to England in 2025, alongside huge ongoing growth in the grassroots game, it’s an exciting time for girls playing rugby union.
It's important for girls growing up to have that sense of confidence rugby gives you.
Tatyana Heard
Red Roses
Interested in finding out more?
If you're interested in playing Rugby Union there are opportunities for girls of all ages and abilities.
From 6 years old girls can play tag and non-contact rugby in community rugby clubs, usually in mixed teams with boys.
Prior to this there are opportunities for girls to engage in fun and informal rugby activities Early Year Rugby.
From Year 4 girls can transition into contact rugby. Within clubs’ girls still play in mixed teams, however, there is an increasing number of opportunities to play in girls-only teams in schools and clubs.
Girls and boys can play together in a mixed team until they start Year 7. After this the regulations of the game specify that girls play in girls-only teams. The first age band for girls only rugby is U12’s. After this girls’ play in two-year age bands U14 (year 8/9), U16 (year 10/11) and U18 (year 12/13).
The introduction of new rules, skills and pitch sizes is carefully managed to support girls’ development. As their ability and confidence develops the different elements of rugby union, such as tackling, kicking, scrummaging and line outs are gradually introduced.
For children not wanting to play contact rugby, T1 Rugby is a new non-contact format of Rugby Union. This is mixed for girls and boys to play together at all ages.
To find a club where your daughter can play rugby visit findrugby.com.
What girls have to say about playing rugby
