Under 6s (Tag Rugby)

This is your child's first introduction to Tag Rugby. The emphasis is on having fun, running around, and making new friends! We train weekly on Sundays (10-11am) at Carrington.

(And yes, the post-training hot dog is almost as important as the rugby!)

Under 7s (Tag Rugby)

Our Under 7s (Year 2) continue your child’s development in Tag Rugby. The emphasis is on having fun, learning new skills, and gaining experience. We train weekly at our Carrington ground on Sunday 10-11am, with occasional matches introduced.

This age group is played 4-a-side on a small pitch, meaning every player is always involved! Key features include:

• Pure Tag Rugby: No tackling, kicking, scrums, or lineouts.
• Fast-Paced Fun: The game is all about running, dodging, and passing.
• Keep the Game Flowing: To encourage continuous play, the game even continues after a knock-on!

Under 8s (Tag Rugby)

This is the final year of Tag Rugby! The focus shifts to building on the basics and preparing players for the next stage, with some home and away games.

The game gets faster and more exciting at this level (played 6-a-side with a size 3 ball) as we introduce a key new rule:

• The 6-Tag Rule: The attacking team has 6 tags to try and score. If they are tagged 6 times, the ball is turned over. This encourages teamwork, passing, and evasion!
• No Kicking, Scrums, or Lineouts: The game is still all about running and passing.
• Scoring Tries: Players are now permitted to go to ground to score tries.

Under 9s (First Year of Contact)

This is an exciting year as our Under 9s (Year 4) are introduced to contact rugby for the first time. Coaches focus on teaching safe tackling techniques (below the sternum) in a fun and supportive environment, building confidence and new skills.

This age group (played 7-a-side with a size 3 ball) is all about encouraging running, passing, and evasion. Key features include:

• Introduction of the Tackle (no rucks, mauls, lineouts, or scrums).
• No Kicking or hand-offs allowed.
• An optional "6 Tackle" rule is often used to reward good defence and promote teamwork in attack.

Under 10s (Year 5)

Our U10 squad is a lively bunch of girls and boys, and we always welcome new kids to the squad. It is an excellent environment to learn teamwork and looking after each other. There is a position for every child in a rugby team, making it the most inclusive sport around!

This age group is a big and exciting step up! We introduce several key elements of the full game in a safe, controlled way:

• Uncontested Scrums (3 players)
• Introduction of Rucks & Mauls
• Contesting for the ball (1 vs 1)

Training is on Thursday evenings (6-7pm) at Carrington and matches or training on Sunday mornings. If you are interested, get in touch with our team who can answer your questions!

Under 11s (Year 6)

The Sale FC Rugby U11s are a very lively and extremely welcoming bunch who have developed an inclusive and fun ethic for their team. Each player is developing skills, teamwork and respect and is a credit to the values of rugby.

This age group (played 9-a-side with a size 4 ball) sees another exciting step up in skills. Key developments include:

• Kicking is Introduced! Players learn tactical kicking and how to restart the game with a drop kick.
• Contested Scrums: The 3-player scrum now introduces a contested strike for the ball.
• More at the Breakdown: The contest for the ball progresses to 2 vs 2, developing rucking and mauling skills.

Training is on Thursday evenings 6-7pm at Carrington and matches or training on Sunday mornings.

Under 12s (Year 7)

As players move into Juniors and secondary school, the game expands. Our U12s (played 12-a-side) are a welcoming and friendly team, perfect for new players or those continuing their rugby journey.

This age group introduces key new elements of the 15-a-side game:

• Introduction of the Hand-Off (below the armpits).
• Full Contest for the Ball: No limits on the number of players in the ruck or maul!
• Bigger Scrums: The scrum moves to 5 players (still contested strike only).

We train on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings at Carrington, focusing on developing core skills, teamwork, and a love for the game.

Under 13s (Year 8)

The game gets bigger and faster at U13s (played 13-a-side on a larger pitch). Our U13s are a fun-loving, hard-working and friendly team with a motto that "nobody gets left behind." We welcome everyone, from seasoned players to those who have never seen a rugby field.

This age group introduces some exciting new skills:

• Fully Contested Scrums: The scrum grows to 6 players and is now fully contested (pushing is allowed up to 1.5m).
• Kicking on the Ground: The "fly-hack" (kicking the ball when it is on the ground) is now permitted.
• Running from the Scrum: The scrum-half is now allowed to run with the ball from the base of the scrum.

We train on Thursday evening from 6.30pm and Sunday morning from 10am at Carrington.

Under 14s (Year 9)

This is a huge step up! Our U14s (Year 9) move to the full 15-a-side game on a full-sized pitch. This is where tactical understanding, fitness, and teamwork really come together. We provide a positive and inclusive environment for players of all abilities to learn the full game.

Key new elements introduced at this age group include:

• Full 15-a-side Team with 8-player contested scrums.
• The No. 8 can now pick up the ball from the back of the scrum.
• Introduction of the Lineout (uncontested) to restart play from touch.
• New Kicking Rules: Drop goals, box kicks, and conversion kicks are all now permitted.
• The 5-minute Sin Bin is introduced for infringements.

Training is on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Under 15s & 16s (Years 10 & 11)

As players move towards their final junior years, our U15 and U16 squads focus on advanced skills, fitness, and game awareness. We welcome all new players to our committed and friendly squads, where coaches work hard to ensure all players feel like valued members.

This stage sees players mastering the full 15-a-side game, with key developments including:

• Full 8-Player Scrums: Scrums are fully contested, and the No. 8 is now allowed to pick up the ball from the base.
• Lineouts: The lineout (uncontested at U15, but with lifting permitted) is a key tactical element.
• Sin Bin: The 5-7 minute sin bin is introduced for infringements.

Training is on Thursday evenings (6-7pm) with training or matches on Sunday mornings (from 10am). The lads enjoy socializing in the clubhouse and supporting the 1st XV as the '16th man' on match days.