Welcome to Grove RFC U9s – Rugby for All in Grove & Wantage
Our Under 9s boys and girls rugby team welcomes children aged 8–9 to enjoy fun, safe kids’ rugby and children’s rugby in Grove, Wantage, and across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. We offer junior rugby and mini rugby open to all abilities – from complete beginners to experienced young players.
We train every Sunday at 10am at Grove RFC’s home ground on Recreation Lane, Grove (OX12 0FL), in a friendly, family-oriented environment where every child gets equal playing time and the chance to shine.
Following the RFU Age Grade Rugby guidelines, we make the exciting progression from tag rugby to contact rugby in a safe, supportive way – building skills, confidence, and friendships that last well beyond the pitch. Perfect for rugby for 8-year-olds and rugby for 9-year-olds who want to get active, learn, and have fun.
About the Team

Ages: 8–9 years old (school year 4)
Mixed: Boys and girls train and play together
Beginners welcome: No experience needed
Season: September to May
Fixtures: Weekly training, rugby festivals, joint sessions, and friendly matches home & away
Equal game time: Every player gets to take part in matches and festivals

Training & Membership

When: Sundays, 10:00am–11:30am
Where: Grove RFC, Recreation Ln, Grove, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 0FL (View on Google Maps)
Cost: £90 per year (annual or monthly direct debit)
Free trial: First 3 sessions completely free
Kit needed: Rugby/football boots, gumshield, water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing (no hoods)
Kit provided: Club playing shirt on registration (club shop here)

Meet Coach Chris
Chris has been playing rugby since his mid-twenties and moved to Wantage in 2017. Shortly after arriving, he discovered Grove Rugby Club and was immediately struck by its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
When his own son joined the Minis in 2021, Chris became more involved with the club and quickly found himself on the coaching pathway. Now an RFU-qualified coach, DBS-checked, and First Aid certified, he has been coaching the current U9s since their very first sessions as Under 6s.
Chris believes rugby is more than just a sport – it’s a chance for children to build confidence, learn teamwork, make friends, and most importantly, have fun running around in the fresh air (and mud!) on a Sunday morning. His coaching style is all about keeping sessions enjoyable, building core skills, and making sure every child feels valued no matter their experience level.

Why Families Choose Grove RFC U9s

Family-friendly club at the heart of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse
Qualified, caring coaches with years of experience
Equal playing time for all abilities
All sessions supervised by qualified coaches following RFU safeguarding standards
Pathway to Senior Rugby with senior Ladies and Mens sides and players active at county level
Fantastic facilities and community atmosphere
Regular trips to international and Premiership matches
Free hot dogs after every Sunday session
Club bar and café open post-training – a great place for parents to meet other local families
Fully compliant with RFU U9 Rules of Play

Join the Grove RFC U9s Today
Ready to get started? Click the “Contact Me” button below to arrange your child’s free trial.
We welcome players from Grove, Wantage, Didcot, Abingdon, Faringdon, Harwell, East Hanney, West Hanney, East Challow, East Hendred, Kingston Bagpuize, and all surrounding villages in Oxfordshire.
Come down, join the team, and discover why Sunday mornings at Grove RFC are the best way to start the week!