Rugby 101 – Edmonton Rugby

Is Rugby Safe?

Safety is #1

Safety in rugby is paramount.

Rugby’s global governing body – World Rugby – supplies extensive support to coaches, referees, and other team staff to manage and avoid risk around player contact in the game.

All rugby coaches and referees in Canada are required to complete the World Rugby Rugby Ready module, and in AB we offer several training and professional development modules each season to continue supporting and developing coaches to deliver safe effective practices and manage games. The ERU supports clubs in assessment and management as the priority, and requires personnel trained in First Aid and Concussion Management on the fields at all times during practices and games.

Through comprehensive support on injury prevention to clubs and individuals, we’re making the game safer and more enjoyable each season.

What Is Rugby?

Here’s what you need to know about rugby. If you’re not in the mood for reading, that’s ok. Just check out the video below..

______

Since its creation in England over 100 years ago, the sport of rugby has evolved to include many variations of the game. There are two major “codes”.

The people who wanted to keep rugby an amateur sport were labelled rugby union (that’s us) and those who wanted to professionalize the game were labelled rugby league. There are plenty of differences between the two codes in terms of rules and number of players on the field, so before we lose you, let’s take a step back.

Edmonton Rugby Union organizes rugby union in central and northern Alberta. Within rugby union we play variations that include fifteen players on each team (fifteens rugby), seven players on each team (rugby sevens), plus touch and flag rugby. Still with us? Good. Keep going.

Most players get their first taste of rugby at primary school in physical education class (with help from local rugby youth development officers), sign up for Club Mini Rugby (ages 3-15) offered in a festival setting over 10-12 weeks May to July. Rugby is contact-free at the younger age groups, with the option to add tackling and physical play as the athletes get older. Some Junior High schools take part in league flag rugby and some High Schools participate in the Metro league 15’s contact rugby.

We’re sure you have plenty of questions before you skip ahead to our team finder page, but here is the link for your reference:

Benefits of Playing Rugby

We’re thrilled that you and your child are interested in the sport of rugby and look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Whether you’re somewhat familiar with the game or it’s completely new to you, we’d like to take a moment to introduce you to the benefits of rugby, a sport which offers numerous opportunities to participants and parents alike.

The Rugby Lifestyle is guided by the core values of integrity, passion, solidarity, disciple and respect. These core values are unique to playing rugby and are shared by all who play the game. They are the foundation of the sport’s long term success. Rugby clubs offer a safe inclusive environment and are always looking for new members.

Health Benefits

The act of playing rugby allows participants to engage in physical activity, which is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. Involvement in training and games requires confidence, concentration and discipline that all transfer into a person’s everyday life and contribute to a person’s mental health. To play rugby you need to have the right energy levels and rugby players must eat a balanced diet to ensure they can take part in the sport.

Social Benefits

Rugby is an inclusive game played by girls and boys of all ages, abilities, shapes, and cultures. Involvement in rugby allows individuals to experience lifelong camaraderie with people from a variety of backgrounds united by the love of one game. Rugby teaches you to respect your opponent on and off the field and encourages social interaction after games and at events. Rugby is also a great way to experience the world through travel. Rugby is a global game and many teams choose to tour internationally which provides athletes the opportunity to play a sport and experience new places with a group of friends.

Play Smart Program

Rookie Rugby Program

Rugby Canada’s New Try Rugby Site
Follow our Women’s team at the Olympics and learn about other aspects of Rugby

Click Here