Why Rugby?

With so many sports and activities available today, why choose rugby? Because rugby is more than just a game — it’s a community, a challenge, and a place where every player belongs.

Character That Lasts Beyond the Field

Rugby doesn’t just develop athletes — it builds strong character. Players learn teamwork, accountability, and resilience as they face challenges together. There’s no single star player; success comes from every teammate doing their part and supporting one another.

A True Team Experience

In rugby, every position matters. Players rely on each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and grow together as a unit. It’s a sport that teaches kids how to lead, communicate, and trust — skills that last far beyond the game.

A Culture Like No Other

One of rugby’s most unique traditions is its sense of community. After competition ends, teams come together to celebrate the game, build friendships, and share a love for rugby that goes beyond wins and losses. It’s competitive on the field and welcoming off it.

A Sport for Every Body and Every Player

Rugby is truly an all-around sport. There’s a position for every body type, personality, and skill set. Everyone runs, passes, defends, and supports their teammates, building strength, speed, endurance, and confidence along the way. Whether your child is big and powerful, quick and agile, or just discovering their athletic side, rugby offers a role where they can thrive and feel valued.

Resilience, Growth, and Respect

Rugby encourages a growth mindset. Players are constantly learning new strategies and skills, pushing themselves mentally and physically while being supported by their coaches and teammates. Respect is at the heart of the game — for opponents, referees, and the sport itself — creating a positive environment for players and families alike.

Affordable and Accessible

Rugby is a sport for everyone. Equipment requirements are minimal — just cleats and a mouthguard — and player dues are kept low thanks to dedicated volunteer coaches and administrators. Local competition helps reduce travel costs, making rugby an accessible option for busy families.

A Game for Life

Rugby is truly a lifelong sport. From youth leagues to adult clubs around the world, players can stay involved at any age — as athletes, coaches, referees, or supporters. Wherever life takes them, the rugby community is there to welcome them.

Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.

Eligibility and Age Brackets

Rugby is a physical sport involving running, passing and kicking a ball, tackling opponent players, and participating in contests of strength against the other team.  Because players do not wear pads as a rule, and because the rules of rugby are very specific about what counts as a legal tackle, players must learn to tackle safely and under control and as a result rugby is a remarkably safe sport, appropriate for school-aged children and seniors alike.  Even so, you will be required to sign a liability waiver in order for your rugger to participate in practices or matches.

Youth Rugby in Georgia is played in age brackets as follows (relative to the player’s age as of September 1):

• U8: ages 5-7

• U10: ages 8-9

• U12: ages 10-11

• U14: ages 12-13

• U16: ages 14-15

• U19: ages 16-18

All ruggers play together regardless of gender for U8-U10, while ruggers will be separated into male-presenting and female-presenting for U12-U19.

Practice

• Practices are led by World Rugby-certified coaches, each of whom volunteers their time to coach out of love for the sport.

• Practices begin in the fall (October) and continue through the spring season (April).

• Practice times and locations will be announced soon. Parents/guardians for ruggers in U8-U10 are expected to remain at practice throughout.

• All your rugger needs is a mouthguard, soccer cleats and athletic clothing appropriate to the weather.  Wear layers during cold practices so that they can adjust to their internal temperature as it rises due to activity.  Ideally, wear clothes with pockets because gloves make drills difficult.