Rugby Union Junior Drills for Kids

Building blocks before the full game

Junior rugby union is taught through modified, age-graded formats — mini-rugby, walla rugby, and similar variations — that gradually introduce the sport's core skills before kids encounter full-contact senior rugby. The earliest focus should be on enjoyment and basic ball skills, not tactics or physicality.

Four drills that work well

1. Passing along the line

Kids line up across the field and pass the ball along the line as they jog forward together, focusing on the basic backward pass that's unique to rugby. Keep it slow and simple before adding speed.

2. Tag rugby

Using tag belts, one group attacks while another tries to remove their tags rather than tackle. This teaches positioning, evasion and game sense in a completely safe, no-contact format — the standard entry point for junior rugby.

3. Ball presentation practice

Once a player is tagged or (for older, contact-ready groups) tackled, they need to know how to present the ball safely to a teammate. Practice this in isolation, at walking pace, so it becomes automatic before game speed.

4. Mini-rugby game

A small-sided, modified game suited to your group's age and contact readiness. This is where everything comes together, and where most kids have the most fun.

Structuring a session

A simple structure that works well for junior rugby union:

• 10 min warm-up — light running and movement games
• 15 min passing along the line — building core ball skills
• 15 min tag rugby — positioning and evasion in a safe format
• 10 min ball presentation practice — for contact-ready groups
• 15 min mini-rugby game — putting it together

On introducing contact

Many junior programs delay real tackling and contact until a clear age threshold, using tag or touch variations beforehand. If you're coaching a group that is contact-ready, Rugby Australia's coaching courses (including the Kids Pathway Skills course covering U6-U12) are a genuinely valuable resource for learning safe technique before teaching it to kids.

Keeping young kids engaged

Attention spans are short at the youngest ages — keep drills brief, lean heavily on games over isolated skill repetition, and don't be afraid to let a session run a little unstructured if the kids are having fun and staying safe.