Pathway Laws
The Welsh Rugby Union has positively changed the way rugby is played at mini and junior levels in order to help develop more athletic, skilful and attacking rugby players.
The Welsh Rugby Union has positively changed the way rugby is played at mini and junior levels in order to help develop more athletic, skilful and attacking rugby players.
The Pathway offers a progressive way of introducing the game to young players and developing coaches. It also aims to deliver a game that is fun to play, enjoyable, stimulating to coach and promotes open running rugby.
Running with the ball, passing and having the ability to beat an opponent are the Welsh way. For the WRU to promote and develop these skills, the pathway has been adopted for young players in Wales.
Contesting the ball is introduced in a controlled rationale at the age of ten with the aim to help players to gain confidence in this aspect of the game. With these skills being developed progressively at each age group, it is the WRU’s belief that young players will be encouraged to stay within rugby and enjoy the benefits of the game.
The WRU Rugby Pathway also includes information and guidance for coaches to introduce and develop skills both safely and effectively. The nature of the WRU Rugby Pathway will, it is hoped assist coaches across Wales to deliver the skills of the game in a progressive and developmental manner.
For all Rugby Laws refer to World Rugby, link can be found below
Invasion by evasion, that is scoring tries by evasive running and introduce accurate stationary passing.
Game to start with a free pass
Team conceding try to restart
Six tags, ball is turned over to opposition
Tagged player must play the ball (pass) within three seconds of being tagged
Tackler must hand back the tag to the attacking player before continuing to play, persistent infringement will result in the awarding of a penalty
Players must leave and enter the field of play at the halfway touchline
They must remove two tags and hand them over to substitute entering the field to place upon belt before replacement can effect
Substitutes must wear tag belts but with no tags
A player must have two tags before scoring a try, however if a tag is removed whilst scoring a try the try is awarded
If a player crosses the line with one tag, he/she is brought back out five metres from the try line with the tag count continuing
Players must stay on feet to score a try
Spinning out of contact away from the tackler is allowed
No hand-off allowed
Carrying the ball in two hands is encouraged but not a tag rugby rule.
Free pass for all penalties
No Under U7 players should play contact rugby (i.e. 2 years above)
The length of a TAG should be no less than 37.5cm (15″) and no more than 40cm (16″)
Rolling substitutions is permitted and recommended
Invasion by evasion, introduce accurate passing to a moving receiver.
Age: Under eight as on the first of September at the start of the season
Team Size: Seven a side with unlimited substitutions. The WRU requires that both teams shall field the same number of players throughout the game
Periods of Play: Two halves each of up to 10 minutes playing time – maximum 20 minutes of play
Playing Area: 50m (Length) x 40m (Width) maximum. 40m (Length) x 30m (Width) minimum
Ball Size: Size three
Kicking: None
Lineout: No, free pass from five metres in from the touch line
Scrummage: No scrums. When there is an offense where a scrum is normally awarded, a TAP and PASS is the mandatory action to restart. Teams must be given time to retire 10m
Coach Qualification: WRU Tag Leaders Award
Referee Qualification: WRU Tag Leaders Award
Game to start with a free pass
Team conceding try to restart
Six tags, ball is turned over to opposition
Tagged player must play the ball (pass) within three seconds of being tagged
Tackler must hand back the tag to the attacking player before continuing to play, persistent infringement will result in the awarding of a penalty
Players must leave and enter the field of play at the halfway touchline
They must remove two tags and hand them over to substitute entering the field to place upon belt before replacement can effect
Substitutes must wear tag belts but with no tags
A player must have two tags before scoring a try, however if a tag is removed whilst scoring a try the try is awarded
If a player crosses the line with one tag, he/she is brought back out five metres from the try line with the tag count continuing
Players must stay on feet to score a try
Spinning out of contact away from the tackler is allowed
No hand-off allowed
Under 8 players cannot play contact rugby (i.e. 1 year above)
Free pass for all penalties
Carrying the ball in two hands is encouraged but not a tag rugby rule
Tag can continue to be played beyond U8 if both teams agree
The length of a TAG should be no less than 37.5cm (15″) and no more than 40cm (16″)
Rolling substitutions is permitted
Encourage the offload in contact and the correct placement of the ball and introduce tackling around the legs
Please be advised that the laws on this page are WRU Pathway Laws which are variations of some of the World Rugby Laws. If a Law is not outlined on this page please refer to the full World Rugby Laws
Age : Under nine as of the first of September at the start of the season
Team Size:
Periods of Play: Two halves each of up to 10 minutes playing time, maximum 20 minutes of play
Playing Area: Half pitch
Ball Size: Size three
Re-start: A free pass to the non scoring side on halfway
Lineout: No, free pass from five metres in from the touch line
Scrummage:
Kicking: None.
Coach Qualification: WRU Coaching Early Contact.
Referee Qualification: WRU Coaching Early Contact
NB: At all levels the “Cavalry Charge” is not allowed.
Definition of a Cavalry Charge: When the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick or free kick either a single player stands some distance behind the kicker or attacking players form a line across the field some distance from the kicker. At a signal from the kicker they charge forward. When they get near the kicker tap kicks the ball and passes to a player who had started some distance behind the kicker.
Early Contact Rugby Laws:
For all free passes a player must place the ball on the floor and tap it forward with the foot
If a free pass is taken incorrectly it must be taken again
Defenders must retreat 5m when a free pass is awarded
Defenders can only advance when the ball has been passed
Waist high tackle or lower (the waist is the line of the shorts) only one tackler allowed
After the 6th tackle the opposition receive the ball
If the tackle is high then a free pass is awarded to the non offending team
If a player is held in the tackle then the player must pass or place the ball after 3 seconds
The defence can only tackle they are not allowed to contest for the ball
Acting scrum half must pass the ball without delay (no pick and go) you cannot tackle this player
No mauling allowed, if a maul is formed a free pass is given to the non offending team
If a player is sent off then the player will be replaced by an appropriate substitute. If there is no substitute available then that team will be disadvantaged. The non-offending team does not lose a player
The offside line is 1m back from the rear most part of the body at the tackle area
Defenders are not permitted to rip the ball from the ball carrier
If a hand off occurs the referee will award a free pass to the non offending team
Rolling replacements
Players must leave and enter the field of play at the halfway touchline
A player may only play one year up
At a free pass restart any first receivers can start their run a maximum of 2 metres from the player performing the free pass. Any greater distance and the “Calvary Charge” will be called resulting in a penalty at the place of infringement to the non offending team.
Rolling substitutions are permitted
Clothing
• Players are allowed to wear approved leggings
Introduce the contest for possession after the tackle Introduce decision-making at the “breakdown”.
Please be advised that the laws on this page are WRU Pathway Laws which are variations of some of the World Rugby Laws. If a Law is not outlined on this page please refer to the full World Rugby Laws
Age: Under 10 as on the first of September at the start of the season
Team Size:
Periods of Play: 15 mins each way, maximum 30 minutes of play. No extra time
Playing Area: Half pitch
Ball Size: Size three
Coach Qualification: WRU Coaching Early Contact
REFEREE QUALIFICATION: WRU Coaching Early Contact
EARLY CONTACT RUGBY LAWS:
World Rugby under 19 Laws apply apart from:
For all free passes and free kicks a player must place the ball on the floor and tap it forward with the foot. If a free pass is taken incorrectly it must be taken again
Defenders must retreat 5m when a free pass is awarded
Defenders can only advance when the ball has been passed or the attacking player chooses to run
Waist high tackle or lower (the waist is the line of the shorts) there can be more than 1 tackler
1st player to the breakdown can pick and go before the ruck has formed
After the tackle one player from each team can contest for the ball, this can be any player involved in the tackle or another arriving player
Acting scrum half must pass the ball after a ruck has been formed you cannot tackle this player
The off side line are 1m back from the rear most part of the body at the tackle area
Defenders are not permitted to rip the ball from the ball carrier
No mauling allowed, if a maul is formed a free pass is given to the non offending team
Rolling replacements allowed
Players must leave and enter the field of play at the halfway touchline
If a player is sent off then that player will be replaced by an appropriate substitute. If there is no substitute available then that team will be disadvantaged. The non-offending team does not lose a player
At a free pass restart any first receivers can start their run a maximum of 2 metres from the player performing the free pass. Any greater disctance and the “Calvary Charge” will be called resulting in a penalty at the place of infringement to the non offending team
A player may only play up one year
Rolling substitutions is permitted
NB: At all levels the “Cavalry Charge” is not allowed
Definition of a Cavalry Charge: When the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick or free kick either a single player stands some distance behind the kicker or attacking players form a line across the field some distance from the kicker. At a signal from the kicker they charge forward. When they get near the kicker tap kicks the ball and passes to a player who had started some distance behind the kicker. Sanction: Penalty at the place of infringement
SCRUMS:
• All scrums must follow the World Rugby process, Crouch, Bind, Set.
• The team putting in must win it
• Neither team is permitted to push
• Both scrummages must be of the same formation, maximum 5 forwards, 3:2 formation.
• A player who is a member of the scrum cannot pick up the ball.
LINEOUT: No, free pass from five metres in from touch line.
KICKING: Only in your own 22m area, No “fly hacking”. Free pass to the non scoring side on halfway.
PENALTY: All penalties are free kicks
HAND OFF: A player must not hand off/fend off an opponent in any way. Penalty: Free kick to non offending team. Definition: A hand off, fend off is: “Any movement of the hand or arm to ward off an opponent.”
METHOD OF SCORING:
Tries and conversions only
Notes:- (i) If goal posts are available on the mini pitch, conversions are to be taken from in front of the posts
(ii) if goal posts are available only on the full size pitch, conversions are to be taken in front of the goal post.
After a try the referee must allow all players to get back to their respective sides before the restart.
If team persists in offending at the breakdown close to the defensive team try line, then the referee may award a penalty try.
Introduction of the contest for possession, and decision making at the breakdown.
Please be advised that the laws on this page are WRU Pathway Laws which are variations of some of the World Rugby Laws. If a Law is not outlined on this page please refer to the full World Rugby Laws
AGE: Under 11 as on the first of September at the start of the season.
TEAM SIZE:
PERIODS OF PLAY: 20 minutes each way, maximum 40 minutes of play.
PLAYING AREA: Between 22 metre lines and five metres in from the touchline.
BALL SIZE: Size three
COACH QUALIFICATION: WRU Coaching Early Contact
REFEREE QUALIFICATION: WRU Level one Award or completion of Coaching Early Contact course.
NB: At all levels the “Cavalry Charge” is not allowed
Definition of a Cavalry Charge:
When the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick or free kick either a single player stands some distance behind the kicker or attacking players form a line across the field some distance from the kicker. At a signal from the kicker they charge forward. When they get near the kicker tap kicks the ball and passes to a player who had started some distance behind the kicker.
Cavalry Charge Laws:
At a free pass restart any first receivers can start their run a maximum of 2 metres from the player performing the free pass. Any greater distance and the “Cavalry Charge” will be called resulting in a penalty at the place of infringement to the non offending team.
Sanction:
Penalty at the place of infringement.
U11’s RUGBY LAWS:
World Rugby Under 19 Laws apply apart from:
For all free passes, free kicks and penalties a player must place the ball on the floor and tap it forward with the foot. If free pass is taken incorrectly it must be taken again
Defending team must retreat 5m when a free pass is awarded
Waist high tackle or lower (the waist is the line of the shorts) there can be more than one tackler
1st player to the breakdown can pick and go before the ruck has formed
After the tackle one player from each team can contest for the ball, this can be any player involved in the tackle or another arriving player
Acting scrum half must pass the ball after a ruck has been formed, the defence cannot tackle this player, a ruck is formed according to World Rugby Law
The offside line are 1m back from the rear most part of the body at the tackle area
Defenders are not permitted to rip the ball from the ball carrier
No mauling allowed, if a maul is formed a free pass is given to the non offending team
Players must leave and enter the field of play at the halfway touchline
It is recommended for development and participation purposes that all players play at least one half every game
A player may only play up one year
Rolling substitutions is permitted
SCRUMS:
• All scrums must follow the World Rugby process of crouch, bind and set
• Static (no pushing or wheeling), both hookers may strike for the ball
• Five forwards (maximum) 3:2 formation
• A player who is a member of a scrum cannot pick up the ball
• Penalty: penalty kick to the non offending team
LINEOUT:
KICKING: Only in your own half. Team scoring to drop kick to opposition to restart game.
HAND OFF / FEND OFF:
Definition: A hand off/fend off is: ” Any movement of the hand or arm to ward off an opponent.”
A player must not hand off/fend off an opponent in any way. Penalty: free kick to the non offending team.
PENALTY: All penalties are free kicks.
METHOD OF SCORING:
Tries and conversions only
Notes:–
(i) if goal posts are available on the mini-pitch, conversions are to be taken as normal.
(ii) if goal posts are available only on the full size pitch, conversions are to be taken in front of the goal post.
If team persists in offending at the breakdown close to the defensive team try line, then the referee may award a penalty try.
If a player is sent off then the player will be replaced by an appropriate substitute. If there is no substitute available then that team will be disadvantaged. The non-offending team does not lose a player.
In Goal/Dead Ball Area Restarts:
Please be advised that the laws on this page are WRU Pathway Laws which are variations of some of the World Rugby Laws. If a Law is not outlined on this page please refer to the full World Rugby Laws
Age: Under 12 as on the 1st September at the start of the season. A player may only play up one year.
Ball Size: Size four.
Coach Qualification: WRU Level one
Referee Qualification: WRU Level one Award
Pitch: Full pitch
Periods of Play:
Scrum:
Lineouts:
Penalties:
Tackle
Please be advised that the laws on this page are WRU Pathway Laws which are variations of some of the World Rugby Laws. If a Law is not outlined on this page please refer to the full World Rugby Laws
Age: Under 13 as on the first of September at the start of the season. A player may only play up one year.
Ball Size: Size four.
Coach Qualification: WRU Level one
Referee Qualification: WRU Level one Award
Pitch: Full pitch.
Periods of Play:
Scrum:
Lineouts:
Ruck:
Penalties:
A hand off to the chest is permitted. There will be no hand off to the face.
Tackle
Please be advised that the laws on this page are WRU Pathway Laws which are variations of some of the World Rugby Laws. If a Law is not outlined on this page please refer to the full World Rugby Laws
Age: Under 14 as on the first of September at the start of the season. A player may only play up one year.
Ball Size: Size four.
Coach Qualification: WRU Level Two
Referee Qualification: WRU Level one Award
Pitch: Full pitch
Period of Play:
Two halves each of up to 30 minutes playing time – no extra time.
Scrum:
In an eight person scrum the formation must be 3-4-1, with the single player (normally the Number eight) shoving on the two locks. The locks must pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.
Exception: A team must have fewer than eight players in its scrum when either the team cannot field a complete team, or a player is sent off for Foul Play, or a player leaves the field because of injury. Even allowing for this exception, each team must always have at least five players in a scrum.
If a team is incomplete, the scrum formation must be as follows:
If a team cannot field such suitably trained players because:
Front rows coming together:
Each prop touches the opponent’s upper arm and then pauses before the front rows meet. The sequence should be: crouch, bind, set.
Scrum Laws:
Tackle
Age: Under 15 as on the first of September at the start of the season. A player may only play up one year.
Ball Size: Size five.
Coach Qualification: WRU Level Two
Referee Qualification: WRU Level one Award
Pitch: Full pitch
Periods of Play:
Scrum:
In an eight person scrum the formation must be 3-4-1, with the single player (normally the Number eight) shoving on the two locks. The locks must pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.
Exception: A team must have fewer than eight players in its scrum when either the team cannot field a complete team, or a player is sent off for Foul Play, or a player leaves the field because of injury. Even allowing for this exception, each team must always have at least five players in a scrum.
If a team is incomplete, the scrum formation must be as follows:
If a team cannot field such suitably trained players because:
Front rows coming together:
Each prop touches the opponent’s upper arm and then pauses before the front rows meet. The sequence should be: crouch, bind, set.
Scrum Laws:
Tackle
Age: Under 16 as on the first of September at the start of the season. A player may only play up one year.
Ball Size: Size five.
Coach Qualification: WRU Level Two
Referee Qualification: WRU Level one Award
Pitch: Full pitch
Periods of Play:
Scrum:
In an eight person scrum the formation must be 3-4-1, with the single player (normally the Number eight) shoving on the two locks. The locks must pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.
Exception: A team must have fewer than eight players in its scrum when either the team cannot field a complete team, or a player is sent off for Foul Play, or a player leaves the field because of injury. Even allowing for this exception, each team must always have at least five players in a scrum.
If a team is incomplete, the scrum formation must be as follows:
If a team cannot field such suitably trained players because:
Front rows coming together:
Each prop touches the opponent’s upper arm and then pauses before the front rows meet. The sequence should be: crouch, bind, set.
Scrum Laws:
Tackle
Age: Under 18 as on the first of September at the start of the season. A player may only play up one year.
Ball Size: Size five.
Coach Qualification: WRU Level Two
Referee Qualification: WRU Level Two
Pitch: Full pitch
Periods of Play:
Scrum:
In an eight person scrum the formation must be 3-4-1, with the single player (normally the Number eight) shoving on the two locks. The locks must pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.
Exception: A team must have fewer than eight players in its scrum when either the team cannot field a complete team, or a player is sent off for Foul Play, or a player leaves the field because of injury. Even allowing for this exception, each team must always have at least five players in a scrum.
If a team is incomplete, the scrum formation must be as follows:
If a team cannot field such suitably trained players because:
Front rows coming together:
Each prop touches the opponent’s upper arm and then pauses before the front rows meet. The sequence should be: crouch, bind, set.
Scrum Laws:
Tackle