What is youth rugby and why should my child play?

Youth rugby is an exciting, fast-paced sport that teaches teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in a fun and supportive environment. Designed specifically for young athletes and played as 7s (not the traditional 15s), it offers shorter, action-packed games that are easier to learn. 

Safety is our top priority — with non-contact flag rugby until 7th grade, your child can develop essential skills and confidence without the risks associated with full contact play.

How is youth rugby different from other sports?

Youth rugby stands out for its emphasis on inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship. Rugby encourages players to work together as a team, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation that extends beyond the field. Plus, the fast-paced nature of 7s rugby ensures an exciting experience for both players and spectators alike.

Can girls play rugby too?

Absolutely! Girls and women are a vital part of the rugby community, with the sport growing faster on the women's side than the men's — World Rugby projects that girls and women will comprise over 40% of all players by 2026. (Learn more at www.women.rugby.)

Youth flag rugby and safe contact for 7th-8th graders are coed. While many high school programs split into separate boys’ and girls’ teams, some remain coed. Moreover, rugby is the only full-contact sport where the rules are the same for women as they are for men, ensuring an equal playing field for everyone. We take pride in being gender-affirming and body-positive.

What age groups can participate?

Our program is carefully divided into age-appropriate groups to ensure every player learns at a comfortable pace.

Flag rugby is organized into three groups — Kindergarten through 2nd grade, 3rd through 4th grade, and 5th through 6th grade — providing tailored instruction for each developmental stage. 

As players advance, middle schoolers in 7th and 8th grades are introduced to safe contact rugby under controlled conditions, while high school players (9th–12th grades) continue with full-contact rugby, always emphasizing proper technique and safety.

When is the youth rugby season?

Youth rugby is a year-round adventure with different seasons to keep kids engaged, learning, and having fun!

• Spring (Mid-March – May): We kick off in mid-March, with the highlight being the Beast of the East, the largest college rugby tournament in the world. The second day of the tournament is dedicated to U19 competition, giving young players an incredible opportunity to play in a big-event atmosphere. We continue through the spring with friendly matches against other local teams.

• Summer (June – July): June marks the start of our biggest season! We compete in several local tournaments across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, bringing fast-paced, high-energy rugby all summer long.

• Fall (September – October): We take a short break at the end of summer before returning for a fun, casual fall season focused on touch rugby. The season culminates in our Halloween costume tournament, hosted by the Wrentham Barbarians — a player and parent favorite!

How do I sign up for youth rugby?

Signing up is easy — simply visit our Rugby Xplorer page at https://xplorer.rugby/providence-youth-rugby and click the purple "Register" button in the upper-right to create an account and complete your registration. Registrations are annual and run from September to September, so be sure to secure your child’s spot for the upcoming season well in advance!

How can I learn more and stay connected?

We’re here to answer any questions you may have — simply reach out via email at providenceyouthrugby@gmail.com or through Facebook Messenger at @providenceyouthrugby. During the season, we keep families informed primarily through email and Facebook updates, ensuring you always have the latest news and information about our vibrant youth rugby community.