Small Blacks
Small Blacks Rugby: Start your child's rugby the Kiwi way, with NZ Rugby's official junior development program for ages 5-12.
About Small Blacks
Small Blacks rugby is where young Kiwi players begin their rugby journey, building on New Zealand's proud rugby heritage. In these age-grade teams (ages 5-12), kids learn the core skills of the game through a carefully structured program that introduces contact and game complexity gradually, ensuring both safety and enjoyment while developing future rugby stars.
Our Small Blacks program develops well-rounded young players through the Kiwi way of rugby - focusing on speed, skill, and smart decision-making. Players progress through age-appropriate variations of the game, from Rippa Rugby to full contact, learning fundamental skills like running with the ball, passing, tackling safely, and working as a team. Each training session and game is designed to build confidence and capability, all while having fun and making lasting friendships in our rugby community.
Information for players
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What is Small Blacks?
Small Blacks rugby is where many young Kiwi players, from Years 1 to 8, have their first experience of the game.
It’s where tamariki get to run with a ball, pull on a club jersey, eat oranges on the sideline, and most importantly, have fun with their teammates.
The programme introduces tamariki to rugby in ways that suit their age and stage of development. Players can take part in both non-contact (Rippa) and contact appropriate versions of the game, with the environment set up to help them learn, feel included, and enjoy being involved.
Small Blacks is also a meeting place for the community, where whānau come together on weekends, volunteers support young players, and a love for the game can begin. It’s where kids get to play, develop, and learn rugby in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and fun.
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What are the Junior Rugby guidelines?
Rugby is a late-development sport, and players aren’t ready for the full version of the game until their late teens. New Junior Rugby guidelines are being introduced over the next three years (to 2029) for Years 7-9, that will better support the transition from Small Blacks through to the full version of the game.
Click here for more about the Junior Rugby guidelines and/or to download a copy. LINK
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What does the game look like for tamariki and young people?
It looks like fun.
While field sizes and team numbers may change, the essence of rugby remains the same. Tamariki and young people still learn to run, catch, pass, tackle safely, and contest for the ball. The game continues to challenge players to work as a team, embrace physicality, stay active, and build the confidence to give things a go.
The difference is that the game is staged more appropriately to support learning, confidence, and enjoyment. As players grow, the number of players on the field increases, the playing area expands, and they gradually learn additional roles, set pieces, and responsibilities.
By matching the level of challenge to a player’s stage of development, the game creates better experiences for everyone involved. Players are tested at the right level, coaches can focus more on skill development rather than managing complexity, and referees can oversee the game more effectively. The result is a more enjoyable experience for all.
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What is taught at each grade?
Small Blacks is all about learning and growing a love for rugby. The environment is social and tamariki are taught new skills as you progress through the Small Blacks model.
Check out the different formats and game design, based on grade, here:
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When is Small Blacks offered?
April through to September.
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What is the commitment level?
The time commitment is very manageable. Most teams train once a week and play on Saturday mornings across a 15-week season.
This small, regular routine offers big benefits. Training and game days help tamariki build teamwork and responsibility while learning the skills of the game. Best of all, it’s a fun way for them to stay active and spend time with their mates.