Mini/Junior Rugby is to start on Sunday 7th September at 10.30.

Please arrive at 10:00am if you need to register of re-register. Details for Thursday evenings training will be arranged by your age group coaches/managers on Sunday.

This year the RFU has decided to introduce new rules at every level in a bid to promote a more expansive game. The club has rtialed the new rules in 3 pre-season games and the games have certainly been at a faster pace with a greater use of the width of the pitch than before. For those who haven't attended any of the training sessions a summary of the laws is below;

• At the scrum, all backs except for the two scrum halves must be at least 5 metres behind the hindmost foot of the scrum, instead of level with it as allowed in the current laws.

• Either side can use as many players as they like in the lineout, at any time, providing they fit between the 5-metre line and the 15-metre line.

• The opposing hooker in a lineout no longer has to stand between the 5-metre line and touchline; he can stand anywhere he wishes as long as he conforms to the laws.

• On a quick throw in the ball can be thrown straight or back towards the defenders' goal line, but not forwards towards the opposition goal line.

• Where touch judges are trained referees, they will be referred to as assistant referees, with responsibility for policing the offside lines.
• If the ball is passed or run back into the 22 and then kicked out on the full before a tackle, ruck or maul is effected, the resulting lineout is taken from where the kick was made. However, if the kick bounces into touch, the lineout is taken from where the ball went into touch, as in the present laws.
• The maul can be collapsed by defending sides without incurring a penalty if the forward momentum of the attacking side has been neutralised or reversed, subject to maintaining safety.
• The corner flag, currently situated where the try line meets the touchline, will become part of the field of play. Under the current laws, a try is disallowed if a player touches the corner flag while attempting to touch the ball down, because the flag itself is in touch.

These are pretty big changes to the way that we play our game so it is important that you learn them ASAP. For additional clarity there is a video at the following link.