WRU Under 9s Pathway Laws

COACH’S ROLE:

• Develop the player through the introduction to contact
• Safety points in tackling and being tackled, develop the skills of offload, placement of the ball and the pass off ground

AIMS RATIONALE:

Encourage the offload in contact and the correct placement of the ball and introduce tackling around the legs

GENERAL:

Age: Under nine as on the first of September at the start of the season

Team Size: 10 a side with unlimited substitutions. Five forwards five backs. 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: 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: Five man non contested scrum, the team putting the ball in must win it. Neither team is permitted to push. Acting scrum half must pass from the base of the scrum, and the opposition scrum half to stay at the tunnel. All scrums must follow IRB process, crouch, touch, pause, engage.

Coach Qualification: UKCC Level one, Level two recommended

Referee Qualification: WRU Level one Award

EARLY CONTACT RUGBY RULES:

Waist high tackle or lower, if the tackle is above waist height, a free pass is awarded to
the non offending team.

The tackle area, defence can only tackle, they are not allowed to contest for the ball.

Acting scrum half must pass the ball (no pick and go) from the tackled area.

No mauling allowed (no ripping allowed), free kick to the non offending team, if a
maul is formed, a free pass is given to the non offending team.

The offside lines are the rear most part of the body at the tackle area.

If a hand-off occurs the referee awards a free pass to the non offending side.

If a knock on occurs a scrum is awarded.

Rolling replacements.

Players must leave and enter the field of play at the halfway touchline.