GOALS
INTRODUCTION
Girls usually play rugby with boys through the minis until they come into their U12 season when they can no longer play mixed rugby but must play girls-only rugby. However, some clubs now offer Girls only opportunities for most ages of girls especially from U9 onwards as some girls have stated they prefer not to go into the ‘tackle’ stage of their development within rugby with boys.
Age bandings for girls’ specific rugby are as follows:-
U12 (with U11s permitted to be signed off to ‘play up’ if required and appropriate)
U14 (U13 and U14 girls in a dual-age band)
U16 (U15 and U16 girls in a dual-age band)
U18 (U17 and U18 girls in a dual-age band)
The ONLY age band where sign off to ‘play up’ is U11 in girls’ rugby
U6 through to U11 mixed with boys (some clubs DO provide girls only at younger ages but not all and it is down to individual girls and clubs to make this decision – this happens more often at U9 and above age bands)
PLAYING OPPORTUNITIES
Berkshire RFU works with the clubs within our county to provide playing opportunities at various intensities depending on the stage that clubs feel their girl’s teams are at. All of the opportunities listed below rely on the cooperation of Berkshire (and neighbouring county) clubs to offer pitch-up and play opportunities at their clubs in the interests of offering match play, and fun days for all girls involved.
U12 girls’ pitch-up and play – Pitch-up and play is an opportunity for a number of clubs to come together with any number of girls (from a mere handful or a full team) and play/train together in a fun, developmental environment. These opportunities are about enabling girls to get to play rugby and learn more about the game in a non-competitive, fun, learning environment.
U14 girls’ pitch-up and play – (as above)
U16 girls’ pitch-up and play – (as above)
U18 girls’ rugby festivals – These are essentially pitch-up and play ‘style’ events and are essential for smaller clubs to help keep girls playing and engaged as clubs grow their girls’ sections. They are about ensuring girls get playing and development opportunities when some clubs may have insufficient numbers to play a full 15-a-side match, by coming together in a festival all girls have the opportunity of training together and then play small-sided or other matches in a fun environment. The aim of this is to keep girls playing and enjoying rugby with their peers and continue the growth of women’s and girls’ rugby.
U14 – HOB (Inter-county cup) competition
This is a waterfall competition for any club interested in entering and is open to Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire (and other invited) clubs – a finals day is the culmination of the competition where all clubs come together to play their final matches in the competition.
U16 – HOB (Inter-county cup) competition
This is a waterfall competition for any club interested in entering and is open to Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire clubs (and other invited clubs)– a finals day is the culmination of the competition where all clubs come together to play their final matches in the competition.
U16 – HOB Inter-county league competition
This is an opportunity for clubs who feel they have the squad size and capability to play a league-style competition. The league is won by the club that wins the most games or has the highest points awarded through the competition.
U18 – HOB Inter-county league competition
This is an opportunity for clubs who feel they have the squad size and capability to play a league-style competition. The league is won by the club that wins the most games or has the highest points awarded through the competition.
BERKSHIRE RFU CLUBS WITH GIRLS’ SECTIONS
Bracknell RFC – View
Hungerford RFC – View
Maidenhead RFC – View
Newbury RFC – View
Rams RFC – View
Reading Abbey RFC – View
Reading RFC – View
Tadley RFC – View
Thatcham RFC – View
Windsor RFC – View
If you need more information please contact:
Maria Jaffray – Berkshire RFU Youth and Competitions Chair
Email: maria.jaffray@btinternet.com
Mobile: 0782 464 2621
Updated 29th March 2023
