What Grades are available?

Preschool Gold - Ages 3-6 

Preschool Gold runs on Friday evenings, 5:30pm in the Eastbourne Recreation Centre next to the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club.  Preschool gold has a fun focus on basic rugby skills.  It's a great way to get the kids running around and having fun inside in the winter months.   

Rippa Rugby - Y0/1 and Y2 grades 

Rippa Rugby is a very safe, non-contact, easy to play game for both boys and girls alike.  Best of all it's fun and exciting for all involved.  While the rules are simple and the game easy to learn, Rippa Rugby will promote excellent ball handling and running skills, and give all kids a chance to participate in our national game.

Rippa Rugby games are played on Saturday mornings and occassionally they may get a Friday night game under lights.   Usually these teams will have a short training during the week.  The players wear the Eastbourne rugby uniform and play against other Hutt Valley teams.  Home games are played both at HW Shortt Park in Eastbourne and away games around the Hutt Valley region.  

Tackle Rugby - Y3 to Y7/8 grades

Kids can start playing tackle rugby once they reach the School Year 3 or Under 8. This is when they will learn how to play rugby in small development steps starting with how to tackle safely.  Weight restrictions apply for various grades to create a safe and competitive environment. Girls and Boys play in mixed teams.

Tackle rugby games are played on Saturday mornings and occassionally they may get a Friday night game under lights.  These teams will have a training during the week.  The players wear the Eastbourne rugby uniform and play against other Hutt Valley teams.  Home games are played both at HW Shortt Park in Eastbourne and away games around the Hutt Valley region.  All the tackle grades are age and weight graded in accordance with the Wellington Rugby Football Union requirements.  All tackle rugby players are required to attend an in-person registration event to have official weight recorded.

For more information about the way Junior Rugby is played at each stage you can go to the Small Blacks website

How do I register?

Please complete and pay using the online Junior Registration Form (one form per player).

Once you have registered online, all tackle rugby players MUST attend one of our in-person registration events to record their official weight. 

Please also attend if you have any queastions, have some boots for a boot swap and would like to purchase any new socks ($20), shorts ($35) or Club merchandise. 

How much does it cost and what do I receive? 

Preschold Gold - $40pp

• 14 scheduled preschool sessions
• Team photo
• End of season Club medal
• Club t-shirt 
• One membership to the Eastbourne Sports & Services Club (ESSC)

Rippa & Tackle Rugby - $85pp

• 16 scheduled games of junior rugby
• Playing fees and WRFU levy
• Local tournament registration fees
• Eastbourne rugby jersey (to be returned at the end of the season)
• Team photo
• End of season Club medal
• Club t-shirt
• One membership to the Eastbourne Sports & Services Club (ESSC)

Note: Players will receive their jerseys at their first training session. However, players will not be issued a jersey until full payment is received.

What other gear do I need to buy?

You will need to buy your rugby player some suitable rugby boots, a mouthguard, Eastbourne Club socks and white shorts.

Eastbourne Club socks ($20) and shorts ($35) can be purchased at the in-person registration events and other points during the season. 

Eastbourne Rugby apparel for players and supporters including hoodies and beanies will also be available for purchase at the in-person registration events and during season.

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