Participation

Tasmanian Rugby Union provides junior participation opportunities for children aged 4 to 14, supporting players as they progress through Rugby Australia’s nationally recognised development pathway. Programs are structured to ensure players learn the game in a safe and age-appropriate environment, progressing through stages that focus on enjoyment, skill development and confidence building. Participation stages include:

• Ages 4–6 – Non-contact introduction to rugby fundamentals

• Ages 7–9 – Contact-ready skill development

• Ages 10–12 – Youth tackle rugby

• Ages 13–14 – Tackle rugby and preparation for representative pathways

Beyond these introductory age groups, players transition into statewide age grade competitions, with Under 16 Boys and Under 18 Boys participating in a statewide competition structure aligned with the broader Tasmanian rugby calendar. In parallel, a developing girls junior competition structure for players aged 14 and above is being introduced to support the continued growth of female participation in the game.

Junior Gala Days

The Junior Gala Day Series forms the centrepiece of the junior participation program in Tasmania. Delivered monthly between April and August, Gala Days bring together players from clubs across the state for structured training sessions followed by game-based activities. This model ensures players can participate regardless of whether their club currently fields a full team in a particular age group, while also allowing young players to meet and compete with others from across Tasmania. Gala Days are designed to prioritise:

• fun and enjoyment

• skill development

• safe introduction to contact

• inclusive participation for players of all experience levels

The program helps rebuild participation numbers while providing consistent development opportunities for junior players.

Schools

Schools play an important role in introducing young people to rugby. Tasmanian Rugby Union works with schools through programs such as Sporting Schools and Get Into Rugby, helping students experience the game in a safe and engaging environment. A Hobart-based secondary school competition, delivered in partnership with SATIS, also provides an important pathway for students to transition from school rugby into club participation. There are plans to expand this competition in the North of the State and across the Public education system in future years. These initiatives help ensure more young Tasmanians are introduced to rugby and encouraged to connect with their local clubs.

Pathways

As players progress through junior rugby, opportunities exist to represent Tasmania through state development and representative programs. Tasmanian teams compete annually at national tournaments including the Australian Junior Rugby Championships, with representative opportunities for both boys and girls at Under 16 and Under 18 level. These programs provide talented players with the opportunity to compete nationally, develop within high performance environments and continue their rugby journey through senior club rugby and broader national pathways.