Are you considering signing your child up for mini or junior rugby in Abingdon? You’re in the right place to learn about an exciting opportunity for your kids to engage in this fun and developmental sport. Abingdon Rugby Club offers a vibrant mini and junior rugby programme designed to introduce young players to the fundamentals of the game, fostering both skills and a love for the sport.
What is Mini & Juniors Rugby?
Mini rugby is a tailored version of the traditional rugby game, adapted for children to ensure safety and enjoyment while learning. At Abingdon RFC, our mini and juniors rugby programme is geared towards kids from 5 to 18 years old. The focus is on fun, participation, and the progressive development of rugby skills such as passing, catching, and teamwork, transitioning to more competitive play as they get older.

Starting Young with Mini Rugby
For the youngest participants, mini rugby in Abingdon emphasises non-contact forms of the game. This approach allows under the age of 9 to enjoy rugby in a safe environment where the focus is on tag rugby. In tag rugby, tackling is replaced with pulling a tag off the ball carrier’s belt, which builds the player's ability to run, dodge, and engage with team tactics without physical contact.
Once the children reach the U9 team, contact elements of the game such as tackling are safely introduced, along with more competitive opportunities.

Transition to Junior & Colts Rugby
As children grow and their skills develop, they graduate from mini rugby to junior rugby, where they are introduced to the full 15 a side game under careful supervision. Junior, and then Cotls, rugby at Abingdon RFC caters to older kids from under 13s (U13s) to under 18s (U18s). This programme builds on the foundational skills acquired in mini rugby, introducing more complex techniques and team strategies, eventually supporting the transition to the adult game.
Why Choose Mini Rugby in Abingdon?
Choosing to enrol your child in mini rugby in Abingdon means joining a community that values health, sportsmanship, and personal development. Our coaches are dedicated volunteers passionate about developing each player’s potential. At Abingdon RFC, we provide:
- Structured Training: Our training sessions are organised by age group and skill level, ensuring that all children get the appropriate coaching and support they need.
- Safe and Fun Environment: We prioritise safety, with all activities conducted in a controlled, positive, and enjoyable setting.
- Community and Support: Mini rugby is a fantastic way for kids to make new friends and for families to become part of a supportive community.
- Opportunities to Grow: There are ample opportunities for children to progress through the ranks at Abingdon RFC, potentially advancing to competitive levels of play.
Get Involved!
Parents are encouraged to get involved too, whether by supporting during training sessions or by becoming volunteer coaches. There's a vibrant support network here at Abingdon RFC, and the involvement of the whole family is welcomed and cherished.
Join Us Today
If you're interested in signing up your child for mini rugby in Abingdon, or if you want to learn more about our junior rugby programmes, please come on down to one of our fun and engaging Minis & Juniors training sessions (Sunday mornings, 10:30am from September to May), visit our website, or contact us directly. We’re excited to welcome new members to our growing rugby family and look forward to seeing your child flourish on the field!
For more information, please download our Minis & Juniors rugby brochure here.

