Questions, answered
The things parents ask us most. If yours is not here, send it over — we will answer it and probably add it to this page.
Most NCYRU clubs start at U8 with non-contact flag rugby. Tackling is introduced at U10, where the game is seven a side, and the sides grow from there — twelve a side at U12, and the full fifteen at U14. If your child is five or six, many clubs will still find a place for them in a minis session.
Youth rugby in North Carolina is coached to a strict, age-graded contact progression, and every registered coach completes safeguarding and concussion training. Every match has an Emergency Action Plan on site. All of our safety documents are on the Resources page.
Boots (soccer cleats work fine), a mouthguard, shorts and socks. Clubs supply match jerseys and balls. Headgear and shoulder padding are optional. Start-up cost is usually under $75.
No. Rugby has a genuinely wide entry point — most high school players in North Carolina started in ninth or tenth grade. Clubs run new-player sessions at the start of every season.
Reach out through the Contact page. The Union will connect you with a Region Coach Commissioner who will walk you through affiliation, insurance, coach certification and finding a pitch.
The main 15s season runs from late February through May. Many clubs also play 7s in the summer and run touch or tag in the fall.
The NC All Stars are the state representative teams. Players are selected from NCYRU member clubs and compete regionally and nationally. Selection camps are announced on the Events page.
Yes. Girls rugby is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Union, with a dedicated high school division and girls sections at many youth clubs.
Still not sure?
Ask us anything. A real person on the board will answer.