CoreT1: A Fun, Non-Contact Rugby Experience for Middle School Students!

Whether you’re brand new to rugby or already have some experience under your belt, CoreT1 is the perfect place to build your skills, boost your confidence, and get game-ready! This action-packed, non-contact program is designed specifically for middle school students (ages 12–15) and is your official first step into the exciting world of Junior T1 Rugby.

Over three weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this new style of play—so when the Junior T1 Rugby Series kicks off in November, you’ll be ready to hit the field for five weeks of fast, fun, and competitive rugby!

Program Overview

Location: To Be Announced
Dates: Sundays — October 12th, 19th, and 26th

CoreT1 is built to meet athletes where they’re at—whether they’re brand new to rugby or already confident in the basics. Each week builds on the last, helping players develop skills, learn game strategy, and get ready for the Junior T1 Rugby Series in November.

Week 1 – Rugby Fundamentals
Learn the core rules of the game: how to run forward, pass backward, and understand basic game flow.

Week 2 – Core T1 Elements
Dive into the T1 style of play, focusing on the Tackle Triangle, rip-and-pass, and team structure on both offense and defense.

Week 3 – Strategy & Gameplay
Put your skills into action with guided gameplay, team tactics, and live scenarios.

Choose Your Path

With two flexible program options, athletes can join based on their comfort level with the game:

CoreT1: Beginner
For athletes brand new to the sport. Join us for Weeks 1, 2, and 3 to build confidence and learn the game from the ground up.

CoreT1: Advanced
For athletes already comfortable with flag rugby fundamentals. Jump in for Weeks 2 and 3 to focus on T1-specific gameplay and strategy.

Getting into the Game

Across each 90-minute session, athletes will develop their skills in a fun, safe, and fully non-contact environment. Throughout the program, players will be introduced to:

  • Passing and catching

  • Flagging (our version of non-contact tackling)

  • The Tackle Triangle (a new T1 Rugby skill)

  • Rip and Pass (a new T1 Rugby skill)

  • Basic offensive and defensive strategies

  • Moving forward with purpose and confidence

Whether your child has played before, tried rugby in gym class, or has never touched a rugby ball, CoreT1 is the perfect entry point. Each session is built to help them feel confident, capable, and connected—while having a great time learning the newest version of the game.

What to Wear/Bring

  • Athletic clothing
  • Sneakers (no cleats needed)
  • Water bottle to stay hydrated

Why Choose CoreT1?

CoreT1 is more than just a rugby program — it’s the perfect launchpad for middle school athletes looking to build confidence, skills, and a love for the game in a fun and supportive setting.

  • Beginner-Friendly: No experience? No problem! CoreT1 supports new players while still challenging those with a flag rugby background.

  • Non-Contact & Safe: All gameplay is non-contact, making it an ideal way to try rugby for the first time.

  • Inclusive & All-Gender: CoreT1 is a welcoming space for all athletes. Everyone plays together and learns together, regardless of gender.

  • Get Game-Ready: CoreT1 is the official lead-up to the Junior T1 Rugby Series — Nova Scotia’s brand-new T1 Rugby Competition, happening weekly in November!

  • Flexible Options: Choose the Beginner stream (Weeks 1–3) or Advanced (Weeks 2–3 only), depending on your comfort level.

  • Teamwork & Fun: Meet new people, build confidence, and experience the fast-paced excitement of T1 Rugby.

If you’re ready to try something new — or want to take your rugby game further — CoreT1 is your first step toward real competition and real fun.

What Comes Next?

Participants who enjoy CoreT1 will be encouraged to register for the Junior T1 Rugby Series, beginning November 2nd. That program is all about gameplay and competition — but only once players have a solid foundation.

Registration Details

CoreT1: Beginner

Cost: $100 per child (plus a one-time $10 insurance fee).

Insurance:
As required by Rugby Canada, a $10 one-time insurance fee will be automatically added during registration. This insurance will cover your child for the rest of the 2025 season.

Registration is conducted via Sportlomo at the following link: REGISTER HERE

CoreT1: Advanced

Cost: $70 per child

Insurance:
Athletes are required to be Rugby Canada insured for the 2025 season. If you do not have insurance, or have not played in the 2025 club league, please register for CoreT1: Beginner.

Registration is conducted via Sportlomo at the following link: REGISTER HERE

How to Register for CoreT1 on Sportlomo: Step-by-Step Guide

Registering for CoreT1 through Sportlomo can be easy with these steps:

Step 1: Click “REGISTER HERE”

Step 2: Click the Green “Purchase/Register” Button

  • Once on the page, click the green button that says “Purchase/Register” to start the process.

Step 3: Log In or Create an Account

  • If you’re new to Sportlomo, click “Sign Up” to create an account.
  • If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.

Step 4: Add CoreT1: Beginner OR CoreT1: Advanced to Your Basket

Step 5: Click Continue

  • After selecting the appropriate group, click “Continue” to move on.

Step 6: Enter Purchaser Contact Info

  • Fill in your contact details to proceed.

Step 7: Enter Additional Information

  • Enter your child’s details where it asks for Member Information.
  • Be sure to select your child as the member/participant.

Step 8: Click the Green Button to Continue

  • Scroll down and click the green button at the bottom of the page to proceed.

Step 9: Enter Payment Details

  • Finally, enter your payment information to complete the registration.

Step 10: Confirmation

  • Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Sportlomo. Keep this for your records.

Step 11: Check for Updates

  • You’re all set! We’ll send any additional information, including updates on weather or session reminders, via email. Make sure to check your inbox regularly.

Need Help?
If you run into any issues during the registration process, please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. We’re here to help you every step of the way! Email Remi at rugbydevelopment@sportnovascotia.ca

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is non-contact rugby?
Non-contact rugby at this level is called T1 Rugby. Much like flag football, players wear flags and “tackle” by pulling them off — no contact involved. It’s a fun, safe, and fast-paced way to learn the game, and it’s already being taught in PE classes and played in junior high schools across Nova Scotia.

2. What will my child learn in CoreT1?
CoreT1 teaches the fundamentals of T1 Rugby in a fun, beginner-friendly setting. Players will learn key skills like passing, catching, flagging (non-contact tackling), and basic attack and defense strategies. They’ll also be introduced to the rules of T1 Rugby, helping them build a strong foundation to confidently join school teams or future programs.

3. How many coaches will be present?
Rugby Nova Scotia aims for a 10:1 player-to-coach ratio, but our coaches are passionate about helping and often create a smaller ratio, closer to 5:1, to give your child more individual attention.

4. What about supervision and safety?
Coaches will provide supervision at all times. Athletes are not permitted to leave the gymnasium area without someone present, or verbal permission form the parent/guardian. A trained first aider will always be present, and we have an emergency action plan on hand if needed.

5. Does my child need any special equipment?
Nope! All you need to bring is athletic clothing, sneakers, and a water bottle. No additional equipment is required for the program.

6. What happens after CoreT1 if my child enjoys it?
If your child wants to keep playing, they’ll be encouraged to join our Junior T1 Rugby Series, which starts right after CoreT1 on November 2nd. This next step focuses on gameplay, teamwork, and competition — perfect for players who’ve built a foundation and are ready to put their skills into action. We’ll share full registration details with families during the final week of CoreT1.

7. Can parents watch the sessions?
Yes! Parents are welcome to stay and watch from the benches/bleachers in the gymnasium. We ask that parents don’t disrupt the session unless there’s an emergency.

8. What happens if there’s bad weather?
In the case of bad weather that makes road conditions unsafe, we will cancel the session. This will be communicated via email, social media, and our website, so make sure to monitor these platforms for updates.

9. What is the refund policy?
If your child decides not to continue after the first week, you’ll receive a refund of $70. If your child can’t attend the program due to other reasons, we’ll provide a full refund.

10. What does the registration fee cover?
The $100 program fee covers all coaching, equipment, and facility use for the three sessions. A separate one-time Rugby Canada insurance fee of $10 is added during registration—this insurance covers your child for the rest of 2025, including Rugby Rush and other Rugby Nova Scotia programs.

Still Have Questions?

No sweat! Send Remi an email at rugbydevelopment@sportnovascotia.ca