Play

• At the Norths Pirates, we encourage our coaches to follow our Club coaching philosophy which involves:
  • Skills development
  • Fair play
  • Health and safety
  • Sportmanship and friendship
  • Teamwork
  • Fun
  • Fair and reasonable game time for all players
  • Running rugby with all players having an opportunity to handle the ball
• To get the best out of your players and ensure you do not lose their attention, preparation for training sessions is key
• Rugby Australia coaching courses, tips and session planning available at SmartRugby – to be a coach or referee in Australia SmartRugby is the minimum qualification required. Courses are online via your Rugby Xplorer login myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/, select Learning Centre, which will take you into Rugby Learning Centre, then Browse Learning
• If you are interested in finding out more or would like to enquire about coaching, please contact the Club’s coaching coordinator
• Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby consists of four Norths village clubs – Drummoyne, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Norths Pirates
• U6-U9 teams play in the Gordon District Minis comp. Their games are on Saturday mornings, with 1 or 2 games on Sunday mornings
• U10-U16 teams play in the Sydney Junior Rugby Union (SJRU) competition. Their games are on Sundays (and some Friday evenings). This is a graded competition
• The season runs from April to August

Under 6s

• First year of rugby union with a strong emphasis on participation, enjoyment and making new friends from the district
• 7 players on the field at a time
• There is no tackle or ruck/maul but a two handed grab low (tag) on the shorts
• Games are played on a quarter of full field
• Playing time is 2 x 10 mins

Under 7s

• The children continue for another year with the introduction of non contested three person scrums and two person line outs
• The development is centred around catch and pass and again with a strong emphasis on participation and having fun
• 7 players on the field at a time
• Games are played on a quarter pitch size
• Playing time is 2 x 15 mins 

Under 8s

• First introduction of tackle and the ruck contest
• 7 players on the field at a time
• Games are played on half size field with more room to run
• Playing time is 2 x 15 mins
• The safe practices of the tackle and ruck maul are taught by “Smart Rugby” accredited coaches

Under 9s

• Whilst still on half size field, the team increases to 10 with 5 person scrum and 5 backs
• More positional play is encouraged but with uncontested scrum and line out
• Playing time is 2 x 20 mins
• The opportunity remains for everyone to safely try all positions on the field

Under 10s

• The games are played on Sundays with grading for the first time
• The competition covers the Sydney Metropolitan area on a home and away basis
• Games are competitive scrums and line outs with 12 players on each team
• The field is almost full field, only 10m narrower (5m each side)
• Playing time is 2 x 20 mins
• Conversions, kicks in general play and semi and grand finals are other changes to the first year of juniors

Under 11s

• Same parameters as the U10s
• The teams are regraded again to keep competitions fair and safe across the grades

Under 12s – 16s

• 15 players on the field
• Skills focus is on positional awareness
• Full size field
• Playing time is 2 x 25 mins

Committee Members 

Age Group Managers (AGMs)

To be advised 2024

Procedures & Policies

• Code of Conduct – Rugby Australia
• Concussion Management
• Match Day Inspection Checklist
• Match Day Safety Checklist
• SJRU Match Day Manual
• NSW Junior Rugby Web Site
• Competition Rules
• Dispensation Process

Registration for 2024: Click HERE or via RugbyXplorer App

Registrations to open early in 2024

Details to be advised for 2024 season