Work to implement the changes to Age Grade Rugby from the new season continues and we are pleased to provide an update on some key elements and developments as follows:

Young Player Survey 2016
In the next few days, we will open a survey for young people in the Under 19 and below age groups to complete. We all want to help young people get involved and be motivated stay in rugby right through the rest of their lives. The survey will help us understand what they like and dislike, why and how much they played last season and their future intentions in the game. The information will help us and our clubs, schools and colleges develop good practice and support that ensures Age Grade rugby puts the young person at its heart.

We would like CBs, clubs, schools and colleges to send the link on to their players and any former or non-players who can also help us improve the game for young people. You can find the link here and on the attached letter that can be forwarded to parents and young players.

Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby
Regulation 15 which governs Age Grade Rugby for girls and boys is complete and will appear in the RFU Handbook and on EnglandRugby.com shortly. The rules of play from Under 7 upwards are being finalised including the lineout progressions from U14 to U16. The rules will all be available online in early July.

We are also doing a major reprint of the Age Grade Rugby progression leaflets that have been so well received, so every club and school has a large number of copies ready for September. In addition we have “beefed up” the Guidance that supports the regulations based on feedback from the game on the Roadshows between January and April 2016. This will also be loaded onto the website in the coming days to help clubs, schools and colleges with their preparations for the new season.

Old Mutual Wealth Kids First and 15-a-side CPD Courses
We have a whole new range of courses for coaches and referees at Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Under 7 to Under 13 age groups. These courses, along with all our 15-a-side CPDs and a number of other foundation coaching and refereeing courses, will all be at the new price of £5 per course (down from £15 per course). Please note this reduction is for online booking only and for courses starting on or after 1st August 2016. Please search our online booking pages to find courses.

In the meantime, thanks to all the CBs and CSUs who have submitted their Age Grade Playing Calendars for 2016-17 so far. We look forward to receiving those still to come on AgeGradeRugby@rfu.com or to your Area Manager as soon as possible.

For more information please go to www.EnglandRugby.com/AgeGradeRugby.