Development Model (Under 6s to Under 7s)
What is the Small Blacks Development Model?
Coaching (Under 6s to Under 7s)
Laws (Under 6s to Under 7s)
Wallet Cards
Development Model (Under 6s to Under 7s)
School Year
Age Grade | Y1
U6 | Y2
U7 | Comments |
Numbers on Field | 7 | 7 | These numbers are maximums. Games must
proceed with the same number of players. Balancing playing numbers and ability is to be encouraged. |
Field Size | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 = goal to 10m (across the field). Portable
goalposts are recommended. The NZRU recommend portable posts by POWA PRODUCTS. Full size posts on one touchline need to have bolsters on them. |
Try | 5pts | 5pts | If score blow-outs are occurring (ie 35 at halftime), both coaches must meet and come to an agreement as to how they can generate a more even contest. |
Conversion | - | - | None. |
Ball Size | 2 1/2 | 2 1/2 | Balls will be colour-coded for each size. Size 2 1/2 = orange, Size 3 = blue, Size 4 = green |
Tackle | Two-handed touch | Two-handed touch | Can substitute Rippa Rugby at this level. There will be no fending at all. |
Subs | Rolling | Rolling | All players must play at least half a game. A rolling sub is where a coach substitutes a player during a stoppage in play. The referee must be notified. |
Kick-off | Tap & Pass | Tap & Pass |
There will be no lifting from kick-starts. |
Penalty | Tap & Pass | Tap & Pass | |
Kicking
(general play) | No | No | |
Length of Game | 2 x 20 | 2 x 20 | These are maximums. |
Scrums | No | 3 person | No pushing and no contest. Safety is paramount.
|
Lineout | No | 3 person | Lineouts not to be contested. There is to be nolineout lifting at any level. |
What is the Small Blacks Development Model?
Small Blacks Rugby has been designed to help players develop their rugby skills as their physical ability develops, making the game as simple and safe as possible for all Kiwi children, regardless of their age, shape or size. The new Small Blacks Development Model has been developed to ensure that there is a consistency of playing, coaching and player welfare at all levels throughout the country, and is a great way of getting children involved in a team sport.
The model has been designed to ensure that all children who graduate from the Small Blacks programme have the best possible skills to take them through their rugby career - who knows, today's Small Black may one day go on to become an All Black or Black Fern.
Coaching (Under 6s to Under 7s)
For coaching information including skills and drills for the Under 6s to Under 7s age groups visit www.coachingtoolbox.co.nz.
Laws (Under 6s to Under 7s)
To view the rugby laws for the Under 6s to Under 7s age groups go to the Laws section of this website.
Wallet Cards
The New Zealand Rugby Union developed the Small Blacks Development Model wallet cards so that all those involved in junior rugby (including parents) can easily refer to the rules of Small Blacks rugby.
The cards were distributed to clubs and schools across New Zealand at the beginning of the season. The wallet cards for the Under 6s to Under 7s age groups can be downloaded below.
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Under 6s Wallet Card
>>Download PDF 1.4mb
Under 7s Wallet Card
>> Download PDF1.3mb