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

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 2023: Click HERE or via RugbyXplorer App

Instructions for Registration:

If you would like to claim the Active Kids Voucher, be sure to have this number prior to registering. You can register for the voucher here.

At the RugbyXplorer App or web link:

• Enter your email or My Rugby ID
• RugbyXplorer will quickly check if you already have a Rugby account; otherwise, you can create one
• Once this is done, in My Profile, enter or confirm the player biography (please be accurate with Height & Weight given Rugby Australia Size for Age guidelines) for players in U10s and above, you are required to upload a photo of the player. This is required for the sign-on process for each game
• At Register, you will be asked who you would like to register, click on the player
• Which club would you like to register to -type in Norths Pirates -only one selection will come up -Norths Pirates Rugby Union Club (and underneath Sydney Junior Rugby Union)
• Role -Select Player (other option is Training Only Participant)
• Registration Type -Select XVs Juniors
• Duration -select Season
• Next screens, player’s personal details appear
• Make my profile private -PLEASE SELECT NO (SJRU requires the Profile to be Public for sign on process, game scores etc)
• Additional questions –enter School, Height and Weight (This enables identification of the physical size of an individual relative to population norms in line with the age grade dispensation procedure associated with Rugby Australia Participation & Safety policies.)
• Add a Saleable Item –please select JERSEY size
• all players must play in Pirates jersey/shorts/socks
• Registration Summary will appear -click on Add Active Kids Voucher if you would like to use the voucher -you will then receive a message Voucher Redeemed
• Tick I have read the Terms and Conditions and Continue to Payment
• Enter Credit Card details
• Success! Your registration is complete!

Before You Register – What You’ll Need

1. A valid email address
2. Your child’s Height and Weight (optional)
3. NSW Active Kids Voucher (optional)

NSW Active Kids Voucher

The NSW Government offers $100 vouchers for children to participate in Sport.
Follow the instructions on the Service NSW website to obtain a Voucher Number.