NZ Rugby
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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

  • What is Junior Rugby?

    Junior 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.

    Junior rugby 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.

     

  • What are the Junior Rugby guidelines I've heard about?

    The Junior Rugby Guidelines is part of a programme transforming the junior rugby system in New Zealand. They provide well‑researched principles that are closely linked to how children develop, applied within a rugby context.

    With more organised sports available to children and fewer chances for free, unstructured play, New Zealand Rugby is working to make the game more fun, engaging, and appealing.

    The Guidelines have been developed with this in mind and clearly articulate the evolving nature of junior rugby. They outline both the current state and the future direction of the junior rugby landscape, ensuring the game better meets the needs of today’s young players.

    The Junior Rugby Guidelines are being introduced progressively over the next three years (through to 2029) for Years 7–9. This phased approach is designed to better support the transition from junior rugby through to the full version of the game.

    Click here for more about the Junior Rugby guidelines and/or to download a copy. LINK

  • 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 playing 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.

  • What is taught at each grade?

    Small Blacks rugby is all about learning, having fun, and growing a player's love for the game. It provides a positive, social environment where children learn new skills as they grow.

    The Junior Rugby Guidelines build on this by making sure fundamental movement skills and basic rugby skills are the foundation of the game for young participants. These skills are the priority and give players more opportunities to run, catch, pass, tackle, and make decisions during games and trainings.

    As children grow, develop, and become more confident, rugby‑specific positional skills and roles are gradually introduced. Players are given the chance to explore different positions and only begin to specialise as their physical growth and readiness prepare them for the more technical demands of the game.

  • When is junior rugby offered?

    April through to September.

  • 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.