Small Blacks
Small Blacks Rugby: Start your child's rugby career the Kiwi way, with NZ Rugby's official junior development program for ages 5-13.
About Small Blacks
Small Blacks rugby is where young Kiwi players begin their rugby journey, building on New Zealand's proud rugby heritage. In these age-grade teams (ages 5-13), kids learn the core skills of the game through a carefully structured program that introduces contact and game complexity gradually, ensuring both safety and enjoyment while developing future rugby stars.
Our Small Blacks program develops well-rounded young athletes through the Kiwi way of rugby - focusing on speed, skill, and smart decision-making. Players progress through age-appropriate variations of the game, from Rippa Rugby to full contact, learning fundamental skills like running with the ball, passing, tackling safely, and working as a team. Each training session and game is designed to build confidence and capability, all while having fun and making lasting friendships in our rugby community.
Information for players
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What is Small Blacks?
Small Blacks is the development model where you learn to play rugby at an age and stage appropriate level from 5-12 years old. Small Blacks offers both tackle and non-contact (rippa) rugby options.
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Who is Small Blacks for?
Small blacks is for anyone U13 wanting to enter, try, learn and play rugby.
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How to learn?
Depending on your age, you will learn and play a modified version of rugby suited to you. If you are five-years-old you will be playing a small-sided game, on a small field that only has catch and pass with no tackle. As you grow older, your games will include more team members, larger field space and the gradual introduction of tackle, scrums and lineouts.
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How to play?
Small Blacks is all about learning, and growing a love for rugby. The environment is social and are taught new skills as you progress through the Small Blacks model.
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When is Small Blacks offered?
April through to September.
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What is the commitment level?
Low-Medium.
Most teams train 1x per week and play on a Saturday morning for about 15 weeks.