Following our discussions with our expert Rachael Hearn, we now want to raise the age full contact rugby is played in England from 9 to 11.
We feel as though there is too much of a focus on physicality at a young age. We feel as though players should be able to develop their skills first before having to get knocked around the pitch by a bigger player.
Physicality is an important aspect of rugby, it is intrinsic to the nature of the game. But players will be developing physically at different times through age group level and so there is no reason to sacrifice a focus on core skills to early. By all means, let players bulk up from the age of 16, when some will start playing adult rugby, but we feel as though players will benefit from focusing on core skills throughout their development.
Rugby is traditionally an inclusive sport and a focus on physicality discriminates against smaller weaker players.
You can help support us in trying to raise the age at which players start playing full contact rugby in England from 9 to 11 years by following this link and signing our petition.
