In 2020 there are some exciting changes coming to Small Blacks Rugby in your Provincial Union.
These changes include Under 11 Small Blacks playing 10-a-side Rugby. New Zealand Rugby will also be running trials with Provincial Unions to understand the benefits of 10-a-side Rugby for Under 12 and Under 13 Small Blacks.
RipRugby will also become an official part of the Small Blacks Development Model. It provides a fun and exciting non-contact rugby format and will be available in Rugby Clubs for the 2020 season.
Our rugby players are telling us they want changes to the game and expert sports research is saying the same. Young rugby players want to be more involved in the game and have as many opportunities to improve their skills.
Smaller teams gives our Small Blacks more opportunities to develop those skills and become better rugby players.These changes mean more tries, more touches of the ball and more opportunities to develop their skills.
You can view and download the changes to the Small Blacks Development Model by clicking here.
You can view the full Small Black Development model by visiting www.smallblacks.com
7-a-side Rugby
Under 6 and Under 7 Small Blacks
10-a-side Rugby
Under 8, Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 Small Blacks
15-a-side Rugby
Under 12 and Under 13 Small Blacks
(some Provincial Unions will trial 10-a-side Rugby for this age group in 2020)
RipRugby
Under 8 - Under 13 Small Blacks
QucikRip Rugby is a fast and exciting non-contact format of rugby which is played by thousands of New Zealanders. In 2020 it will be part of the Small Blacks Development model and played in Rugby Clubs around the country.
RipRugby allows Small Blacks the ability to kick, scrum, pass, run and develop their rugby skills in a non-contact environment.
Please feel free to read our Frequently Asked Question section on the 2020 Small Blacks changes by clicking here.
We'd love to hear your feedback about the 2020 Small Blacks changes. You can get in touch via email: participation@nzrugby.co.nz