Year 5 Changes for Small Blacks in 2026

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is announcing changes to Year 5 Under 10s Small Blacks Development Model that will be introduced in 2026. These changes are part of the wider Small Blacks Development Model Review that aim to improve the enjoyment and engagement of our smallest players as they learn to play rugby over their Foundation years. This follows on from the successful introduction of changes at Year 6 (U11s) in 2020 and then rolling changes that were made to Year 1 to Year 4 over the period 2022 to 2025.

“These changes are made to improve the experience of our youngest players and ensure we increase the chances of their retention year on year” says Mike Hester, Head of Participation Development at NZR. “The changes are largely centred around a smaller sided version of the game for longer in these foundation years where kids can get more touches of the ball, more opportunity for tackling, contesting possession, and ideally fall in love with the game for life.”  says Hester.

The changes build upon the progression at Year 4 where children are now playing an eight a side version of the game on a quarter field that provides a smoother transition through the introduction of tackle and breakdown at Year 3. “These changes have been widely successful both for players, coaches and parents as well as increasing our focus on development of safe and effective tackling and breakdown skills. These moves are in keeping with modern sports research for children, not just in rugby but in the wider sport sector around junior development.”

The changes for Year 5  will look to enhance the experience of children transition from Year 4 with a slightly larger team. The changes will also see the delay of set piece such as scrum and line out with these being deferred to latter years when children can start to safely learn and contest these identities. This will allow coaches to be able to continue their focus on the development of game sense in open play as well as tackle, ball carry, and breakdown  techniques which is critical to children’s confidence and enjoyment of the game.

The changes will be incorporated into the Small Blacks Development Model resources and education for the 2026 season.

NZR is committed to improving the quality of the experience and retention of players so further improvements to Year 7-10 Rugby are being contemplated for 2027 with further consultation with Provincial Unions and their communities planned in the coming months.