Why children should play rugby, a guide for parents

One glance at our extracurricular activities talk board and you’ll soon realise that there are plenty of parents struggling to find a sport or hobby that’s great for their DC’s development. Finding the right one, and one that they’ll actually like and stick to, can feel like a tough task.

But when you do, the physical and mental benefits your child will enjoy are plentiful. Plus, finding a sport they’ll actually enjoy can help them to develop a positive relationship with exercise long-term. Meaning, they’re more likely to stick to something (and it helps entice them off screens and gadgets).

One sport you may not have considered for your child, especially if you’re a parent to a young girl, is rugby. In fact, England Rugby’s latest campaign initiative, Love Rugby, has been launched to highlight the reasons why young girls should be encouraged to play rugby.

So, why choose rugby?

Rugby is about taking part, having fun, and keeping active. Not only do children benefit from being physically active, but the sport also helps them to learn important personal and social skills. In fact, according to England Rugby, children who play rugby at a young age go on to have a lifelong interest in the game and even other sports, like football and cricket.

When can my child start playing rugby?

Children can begin playing rugby at a rugby club from the age of four years old. The game for children is known as age grade rugby. As children progress through the age grades, there are building blocks that introduce new parts of the game based on your child’s age, stage, as well as their physical and emotional development.

Players initially start playing non-contact rugby and are given time to get to grips with the basics of running and catching the ball before contact and specialism is gradually from U9s. Girls and boys usually play in mixed teams until they separate at U12s, but there are a growing number of girls-only opportunities within clubs. Visit findrugby.com to find out what your local club can offer.

Is rugby safe for my child to play?

Age grade rugby (from 5 to 18 years old) ensures that every player is able to enjoy rugby in a safe environment where they can develop their personal and social skills, as well as a wide array of transferable multi-sport skills. The framework has been developed by scientific research and studies on player development in sport, and particularly player safety. RugbySafe is the RFU’s overarching player safety and wellbeing programme. The programme puts player welfare at the heart of the game and covers how the game should be more organised and managed to ensure that rugby is played in a safe and enjoyable environment.

In fact, back in July 2023, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) introduced new tackling laws across all levels of community rugby. In the age grade game, the legal height of a tackle has been lowered to the base of the sternum to help reduce the risk of head injury during head-to-head contact.

There are so many benefits for children playing rugby and the needs of young people are at the heart of the game. Enjoyment is above all else to make sure young people play the game for longer and into their adult years.

Six reasons to consider rugby

1. Everyone is welcome

Famously, rugby is a sport where all shapes and sizes are welcomed and celebrated. At all levels of the game, you will see players who are different heights, weights, and body types. So, seeing everyone celebrated in rugby can enhance children’s self-worth and acceptance of themselves and others.

Rugby is very inclusive and it’s for anyone - all shapes and sizes. You can find your own unique role within rugby and it’s just as important as anyone else’s.

Helena Rowland, Red Roses player

2. Rugby improves physical health

While all around the world, children’s activity levels are decreasing, rugby can keep children active, healthy and engaged.

Research indicates that inactive children are likely to become inactive adults, and it is recommended that children between 5 and 18 years old exercise for at least 60 minutes every day, and twice a week, including activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility. Rugby helps children increase their strength, endurance, flexibility and bone density through physical contact, twisting, turning and running.

3. It helps build self-esteem and confidence

The sport relies on communication and teaches children to use their voice. It can boost their confidence, build character and teach resilience.

It's important for girls growing up to have that sense of confidence rugby gives you. Without that, I would be a completely different person.

Tatyana Heard, Red Roses player

As children learn to make decisions, pick up new skills and persevere, their self-esteem can skyrocket.

4. It teaches children important values

Teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are values at the core of the sport.

Working as part of a team, developing leadership qualities, and being disciplined and resilient are transferable into other areas of children’s lives and help children’s holistic development.

Being respectful to teammates, the opposition and match officials can be seen on the pitches at clubs on weekend mornings all the way up to the professional game and is a great example for children.

5. Positive role models

From players in men’s and women’s professional games, match officials and inspiring volunteers, there are so many people that children can look up to.

Whether it is someone they see on the television or someone that they connect with at their club, more than ever, children can see themselves represented in senior rugby, which can inspire them to work hard and chase their goals.

6. It gives children a sense of belonging and friendship

The game of rugby prides itself on the community it creates. A sport where all players are welcome, the camaraderie and social connections can provide children a sense of belonging and a home away from home. Some of the friendships fostered in the rugby field can last throughout life.

Rugby is a safe space where you can meet like-minded people. Ultimately, you're making friends along the way and some of those will be friends for life, so it's big in terms of on the field but also everything else that comes with it and those lessons you take with you as you grow up.

Helena Rowland, Red Roses player

Growing the girls’ game with Love Rugby

The girls’ game is growing fast. The success of England’s Red Roses has increased the visibility of the game and when England hosts the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, there will be even more of a spotlight on women and girls in the sport.

Research from Women in Sport found that young girls are surrounded by expectations and stereotypes that negatively affect how they view and experience sport. By the time they are teenagers, many girls have decided that they do not ‘belong’ in sport.

England Rugby are tackling this head on and have launched the Love Rugby initiative to support girls to see and feel that rugby is a place where they can thrive.

There are so many benefits associated with playing rugby for both boys and girls; the sport really is for everyone.

To find your local rugby club or more information about age grade rugby, visit Find Rugby or the England Rugby website.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. As a mum of two herself, she knows all too well how important it is to find sports and extracurricular activities that her two children enjoy.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.