The age groups for rugby follow the school system of 1st September to 31st August. You can start playing with us from the age of 6 which would be for the U7’s (Year 1or 2).
The U7’s play on the Tiger Turf next to the clubhouse.
The U7’s and the U8’s play TAG rugby which is a non contact game - but teaches the basics of passing the ball, finding space and working as a team.
Full contact rugby starts with the U9’s, and the Laws gradually increase through to the U12’s which is the last year of Mini rugby.
15 a-side rugby starts at junior level with the full range of senior game laws being gradually brought in as players progress and mature. For example, at U13 and U14 opposition scrum-halves must remain at the centre line of the scrummage until the ball is out, and lifting in the lineout is not introduced until the U16s. Match duration is linked to the age of the players increasing from 25 minutes each way at U13 to 35 minutes at U17.
Some years ago in the interests of encouraging players of all ability Oxfordshire decided not to introduce league rugby at U13 and U14. Instead Henley players at these age groups will have the opportunity to participate in a balanced programme of training, fixtures and festivals against opposition of varying strength from all around the region.
The U15s and U16s compete both in the Oxfordshire league and in the Oxfordshire 10s tournament. Their programme is supplemented with friendly fixtures against teams from further afield such as Saracens and Winchester.
At U17 the league expands to include participants from Buckinghamshire and Berkshire in a tough tri-county contest. The top 12 teams from the previous year’s U16 league programme also get the opportunity to take part in one of the four strands (Cup/Plate/Bowl and Shield) of the National U17s competition.
Over recent years Henley Juniors have proved extremely successful. New players who wish to join our friendly club where they can make the most of their ability and help us to build on those successes are always most welcome.