Junior Rugby

We offer a warm welcome to all

Here at Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau we welcome boys and girls of all abilities to our junior section from the day they start school (Age 3) to the day they leave school in Year 11, and go on to join our Youth Team.

There’s a place on the team for everyone, whether new to the game or transferring from another Club.

We follow the WRU Rugby Pathway, which ensures children are introduced to rugby and develop skills both safely and effectively. All of our coaches attend WRU courses and hold the relevant WRU coaching qualifications.

Do the juniors play rugby games?

From the age of 6 years old the children can play in fixtures for Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau. The teams are grouped according to their School Year as of 1st September.

Up until School Year 5, boys and girls play in the same team. Due to WRU rules, from School Year 6 we move to single-sex teams, with our girl players joining the area hub team, Gwylliaid Meirionnydd.

A Club where all children make the team

We are proud to be part of the WRU Half-a-Game initiative. All children who train with Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau are guaranteed game time. We don’t pick the ‘best players’, every player gets to come along to games and spend time on the field. This gives all young players a greater opportunity to reach their playing potential in a fun and inclusive environment.

When does Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau’s Junior Section Train?

Our junior rugby season runs from September to May. Training sessions are once a week on Y Marian Playing Fields. The under-6s train at the leisure centre from October half term until February half term. If the weather is unfavourable, the under-8s and under-10s also use the leisure centre during this period.

The junior teams start to play fixtures from the under-8 age group. The games are usually played on a Sunday.

Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau’s Junior Rugby Teams

This season Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau will be running the following Junior Rugby Teams:

Team

School Year

Training Day & Time

(September to May)

What happens during the sessions?

Under 6s

  • Reception
  • Year 1

Thursday’s

What's Under 6 Rugby all about?

It's all about kicking-off the children's love of rugby with games that have them running, jumping, stopping, turning, and chasing. These games develop their core rugby skills, setting them up for a lifetime of play.

The sessions are all about keeping it fun, safe, and full of energy, while creating a positive atmosphere that promotes teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, and a love of the game.

Under 8s

  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Thursday’s

What's Under 8 Rugby all about?

It's all about honing those essential rugby techniques through some good ol' practice and applying these techniques in tag rugby games.

Tag rugby is great fun, giving kids the chance to use their running, catching and passing skills without the rough and tumble. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity for the young rugby players to learn the value of teamwork.

Under 10s

  • Year 4
  • Year 5

Thursday’s

What's Under 10 Rugby all about?

It’s all about tackling the exciting world of Rugby! This is where children learn the art of safe contact rugby and develop tackling skills. Don't worry, coaches and referees make sure all players play by the rules to keep everyone safe.

But that's not all! Players learn how to work as a team, communicate with their teammates, and boost their physical fitness. Competing against other teams, gives them the perfect opportunity to showcase their new skills and unleash those tackles like a boss!

Under 12s

  • Year 6
  • Year 7

Thursday’s

What's Under 12 Rugby all about?

This is about getting a taste of the real deal, the grown-up version of the game! Think of it as a chance for these players to unleash their inner rugby beasts on the field, all while developing those important rugby skills and making new pals.

The game is played with 15 players on each side, just like in the adult game, but with a few tweaks to keep the players safe (no lifting in lineouts, for example). The focus is on fine tuning rugby skills, like passing, tackling, and working together as a team.

This is when the boys and girls split up, due to WRU rules. Dolgellau's U12 team is for boys in School Years 6 and 7, while the girls join the area hub team from School Year 6 onwards.

Under 14s

  • Year 8
  • Year 9

Wednesday’s

What's Under 14 Rugby all about?

This is about getting a good taste of the adult game. It’s a slightly tweaked version but the basics are still the same, but with a few modifications to make it safer for these young players. Don't think for a second that it's not competitive, though. These youngsters go all-in with games lasting two 30-minute halves. It's the perfect platform for building skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and, of course, having a blast on the field.

Under 16s

  • Year 10
  • Year 11

Tuesday's

What's Under 16 Rugby all about?

Playing Under 16 Rugby is not just about physical fitness and ball-handling skills, it's also about teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Players learn how to communicate effectively with their teammates, how to work towards a common goal, and how to handle both victory and defeat with grace and humility.

At Under 16 games, a full-size ball is now used, with each match broken down into two 35-minute halves.

Overall, Under 16 Rugby is a sport that offers a  fulfilling experience for young players. It's a sport that challenges them physically and mentally, while also teaching important life skills that will serve them well both on and off the field.

Do players need special kit?

Players can train in what they feel most comfortable wearing, but we do advise rugby boots for training sessions held on the field and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.

To help keep participation costs low and reduce waste, we have a Kit Exchange. In the Kit Exchange you’ll find pre-loved boots and other items of kit available from just £4 an item.

What kit is needed for Games?

Players have the use of a Club playing shirt for the games. They will need their own rugby socks and shorts. We have kit available for purchase with the Club logo, either new or pre-loved, but this is not essential to play in the games. Any shorts and socks are ok.

For games, all players must wear rugby boots that conform to the World Rugby specifications; most available boots now meet the specifications. If you need help with this, our coaches will be happy to assist.

The club recommends that mouthguards be worn from Under-8s onwards and children playing contact rugby should be encouraged to consider protective headgear.

Where can I purchase  kit?

If you can’t find what you need in the Kit Exchange, the club has a stock of socks, shorts and gum shields. Other items of Club clothing and products are available for purchase and can be pre-ordered through the Club. Or rugby kit items can be bought from most sports shops.

How much does Junior Membership cost?

This season membership for Under-6s is £40 for the season and for the Under-8s to Under-16s it is £50 for the season. Each year the children receive a gift with their membership.

The membership payment can be made in two installments, as we understand that September can be an expensive month with back-to-school purchases.

Junior membership benefits include:

  • WRU Players Insurance
  • Membership gift
  • Meal after each game at home
  • Use of Club playing shirts
  • Subsidised trips
  • End-of-season awards evening

What are the arrangements for training sessions and games?

We encourage parental support at training sessions and games as the Coaches are not always able to provide individual care in the case of upset or injury. If a parent/carers is unable to remain for the training session or game, arrangements should be made for a responsible adult to keep an eye on them, and the child should be told who is looking after them.

To help reduce our carbon footprint we encourage car sharing where appropriate.

Want to join Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau's Junior Section?

If you’re interested in joining Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau’s Junior Section or would like further information, drop us an email at:

membership@crd.cymru

We look forward to welcoming you to Clwb Rygbi Dolgellau.

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