Playing the Game - Why not join us?

Rugby is divided into four different modified games from ages Under-6 through to Under-19 followed by Senior Grades then Golden Oldies

  • WALLA RUGBY
     A simple, non-tackling introduction to the game which allows children to use the ball, by combining the skills of passing, catching and running. It is played on a smaller field seven players per side.
  • MINI RUGBY
     Continues the theme of free-flowing, running and passing Rugby. Most importantly, it introduces the young player to the contact elements of the game such as tackle, ruck and maul. It is played by ten players per side.
  • MIDI RUGBY
     This is the stepping stone to the full game. It is played between twelve or fifteen players on a standard field. It continues the theme and principle of Mini Rugby with a greater emphasis on the contest for possession.
  • UNDER 19 RUGBY
    This is the full 15-a-side game, which incorporates specific safety laws tailored to the developing player.
  • SENIOR GRADES
    Typically over 19's, (but can be drawn from U17's) full contact running Rugby played to international rules spanning over (for the larger Clubs) up to four grades.  Mudgee Wombats field the one grade - the First XV in the President's Cup     (2009 premiers!)
  • GOLDEN OLDIES
    This is the free-for-all version of Rugby in which anyone, over the age of 35, from any background, anywhere and anytime can join in on game day, play as hard or soft as they want, then retire to the Clubhouse to give fanciful and wildly inflated accounts of their playing career.  Golden Oldies is rapidly growing in popularity, in particular throughout the Central West.  It's an opportunity for "former greats" to pull on the boots, and hit it up once again, albeit in a much slower and gentler format.  There are no winners, except of course for the winning team which invariably is the home team and usually also the away team.  But there are no winners... except for....

What is Walla Rugby?

Walla Rugby is the safe, modified version of Rugby Union that is suitable for boys and girls of all ages. It involves a two handed tag rather than a tackle, and a non-contact ball take rather than rucks and mauls. Scrums and lineouts are also modified to ensure a safe and enjoying playing environment for all students.

Summary of features of Walla Rugby
Playing Area

The playing area is smaller than a rugby field - Max. 50m x 25m (including in goal area). Schools are encouraged to work with whatever space they have available.
Team Size

Seven (7) players as max per team - this can be smaller if the playing area is smaller.

 Playing Time

Two x 15-minute halves.

 Scoring

A try is worth 5 points.

No conversion attempt after a try at this age level.

No penalty goals or drop goals at this level.
Kick-off

Taken in the form of a "punt kick".

Non-scoring team to kick off.

5m "free zone" for receiver.

 Restart

"Tap restart" by non-scoring team after a try.

 Kicking in General Play

No kicking is allowed in general play.

Penalty

The "tap restart" is the only option.
Walla tag

To halt the progress of the ball carrier, a defending player must contact the ball carrier with two hands (simultaneously) below waist height.

Once tagged the ball carrier has two options:

1. Pass the ball to a team mate immediately; or

2. Set up a ball take.

 Ball Take

A ball take occurs if the passing option is not taken following a "tag".

Call after "tag" should be "pass, pass, pass", then ball take.

Offside line for defending team is 5m.

 Lineout

A lineout occurs when the ball goes out of bounds.

Lineouts are non-contested.

Two players lineout, plus hooker.

The lineout is formed 3m from the touchline. The thrower stands in line with their own team.

Biased, targeted throw.

Offside line for the backline is 5m from the middle of the lineout.
Scrum

A scrum restarts play when there is an accidental infringement.

Scrums are non-contested.

Only the hooker of the team feeding the ball into the scrum may strike for the ball.

Gentle, non-pushing scrum with only three players, positioned in each front row.

Offside line is 5m from last feet for defending team and from last feet for attacking team.

Scrum half not feeding the ball cannot go past the mid line of scrum.

  

Advantage

Played generously to ensure a free-flowing game.

 Offside

In general play, a player is offside if they are in front of team-mate who is carrying the ball, or if they are in front of a team-mate who last played the ball.

Offside lines exist for scrum, lineout and ball take situations.

Mudgee Rugby recommends schools and students play Walla Rugby as it is the most effective and safe way to introduce Rugby to new players. Importantly, Walla Rugby can be played by students of all ages and not just 7 and 8 year olds.  In addition, if you have a rugby playing school - you can choose not to use all modifications.

Content courtesy of the ARU EdRugby website