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Minis Rugby at Grove RFC – Ages 5–12
A parent’s guide to Minis rugby at Grove RFC near Wantage - safe, fun rugby for children aged 5–12, with free tasters available.
Last updated: April 2026
A parent's guide to mini rugby at Grove RFC -- safe, fun rugby for children aged 5 to 12 in Grove and Wantage, with free taster sessions available every Sunday from September to May.
WHAT IS MINIS RUGBY?
Searching for kids rugby near me? Grove RFC runs one of the strongest mini rugby programmes in the Vale of White Horse, with age groups from U6 through to U12 and free taster sessions every Sunday morning.
We follow the RFU Age Grade Rugby pathway, introducing skills gradually in a safe, fun environment. Every age group plays to rules designed specifically for them.
- U6 to U8: Tag rugby only -- non-contact, fun games, movement and teamwork
- U9 to U12: Contact introduced step by step -- tackling, first scrums, and growing game awareness
YOUR CHILD'S RUGBY JOURNEY
U6 -- First Steps into Rugby
Just games, just fun. No matches, no pressure -- only smiles. Perfect for children in or entering Reception and Year 1 discovering sport for the first time.
U7 and U8 -- Tag and Go
Fast, fun tag rugby in small teams. No contact, all action, and a great first taste of the game. School Years 2 and 3.
U9 and U10 -- The Contact Game Begins
Tackling and first scrums introduced safely and gradually. This is where rugby really comes alive. School Years 4 and 5.
U11 and U12 -- Finding Your Game
Bigger squads, kicking introduced, and the scrum starts to take proper shape. Players begin to find their position and their voice on the pitch. School Years 6 and 7.
GIRLS RUGBY AT GROVE RFC
Girls play alongside boys through to U11. From September 2026, Grove RFC is launching a dedicated Under 12 Girls section -- the first step in building a permanent girls and women's rugby pathway at the club.
If you have a daughter aged 10 or 11, year 6 or 7 who wants to play rugby, we want to hear from you now. If your daughter is older we are in contact with teams across Oxfordshire and can work with you to find her a club to play if Grove do not offer an age group.
Find out more about the U12 Girls section
WHEN AND WHERE
- U6 to U12: Every Sunday morning from 10:00am
All sessions take place at:
The Recreation Ground
Recreation Lane
Grove
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 0FL
Matches and festivals take place across Oxfordshire throughout the season, including our own Grove RFC Minis Festival each October -- one of the largest festivals in the region, welcoming over 100 teams to the Recreation Ground.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED?
- Trainers or boots with safe studs
- Comfortable sports kit -- no hoods
- A water bottle
- A gumshield is required from U9 upwards
- Club shirt provided on registration
- Additional kit available from our VX3 Club Kit Shop
IS RUGBY SAFE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?
Yes. All sessions follow RFU Regulation 15 Age Grade guidelines. Contact is only introduced from U9 onwards, and always in a carefully coached, step-by-step way. Grove RFC is an RFU Accredited Club with qualified coaches at every age group.
Read more about RFU Age Grade Rugby guidelines
WHAT DO PARENTS SAY?
"Four months of my son playing rugby at Grove and he's loved every minute of it. Our quiet and anxious boy has finally found his confidence thanks to this amazingly positive and supportive team and their coaches. The change in him has been remarkable and we can't wait to see where this rugby journey takes him."
FIND YOUR CHILD'S TEAM
Under 6s
Under 7s
Under 8s
Under 9s
Under 10s
Under 11s
Under 12s
Under 12s Girls (Launching September 2026)
COME AND JOIN US
New players are welcome at every age group throughout the season. Come along on any Sunday morning for a free taster session -- no booking needed, just turn up.
01235 762750
Looking for an older age group?
Our junior teams from U13 upwards are here: