Rugby Rush: A Fun, Non-Contact Rugby Experience for Ages 11-15!

No experience? No problem. Rugby Rush is built for beginners — full stop. This fun, non-contact program is designed specifically for youth aged 11–15 who are brand new to T1 Rugby (or even new to team sports!). We break the game down to the absolute basics, helping kids build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun in a pressure-free, supportive environment.

T1 Rugby—the version taught in many junior high schools across Nova Scotia—is now a key part of physical education programs. Many schools also have rugby teams that participate in the Junior High T1 Rugby League!

Program Overview

Location: TBA
Dates: October 12th, 19th and 26th
Cost: $100

*a $10 one-time insurance fee will be added automatically during registration

Learn the Game from the Ground Up

Rugby Rush is all about starting fresh. Over three 90-minute sessions, participants will learn the fundamentals of rugby in a fun, safe, and fully non-contact environment. We’ll introduce players to essential skills like:

  • Passing and catching

  • Flagging (non-contact tackling)

  • The tackle triangle

  • Basic attack and defense strategies

  • Moving forward with confidence and purpose

Whether your child has seen rugby in gym class or has no idea what a rugby ball looks like — this program is the perfect first step. Each session is designed to build comfort, competence, and connection with the sport.

What to Wear/Bring

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

Why Choose Rugby Rush?

  • Inclusive & All-Gender: Rugby Rush is open to everyone, regardless of gender.
  • Safe & Non-Contact: We prioritize safety with non-contact play, so kids can learn the game without worry.
  • Builds Confidence & Fitness: Rugby promotes physical activity, discipline, and teamwork in a supportive setting.
  • Team-Oriented Fun: Kids will make new friends, learn valuable skills, and enjoy working together towards shared goals.

What Comes Next?

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

Rugby Rush is for beginners only, so if your child already has experience, we recommend skipping straight to Junior T1.

Registration Details

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

How to Register for Rugby Rush on Sportlomo: Step-by-Step Guide

Registering for Rugby Rush 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 Rugby Rush 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 Rugby Rush?
Rugby Rush 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 will not be allowed to leave the gymnasium area without someone present, except for the oldest group. 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 Rugby Rush if my child enjoys it?
If your child wants to keep playing, they’ll be encouraged to join our Junior T1 Rugby Program, which starts right after Rugby Rush 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 Rugby Rush.

7. Can parents watch the sessions?
Yes! Parents are welcome to stay and watch from the 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 postpone the session to the following week. 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 $75. 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