Youth Rugby Page

23/ 03 / 08

Hot of the Presses Youth Rugby draws for Cup and Plate 2008

Connaught U-13s Cup

Westport 0....Buccaneers 3

This was a very close game as the result shows and Buccaneers can thank their big pack for this victory as through out the game they played nothing but a foward battle while Westport played rugby as it should be played by mixing up the game with some great backline movements.Had a few of the referees decisions favoured the home side it would have been a different result.It can safely be said that on the day the better rugby side lost but this is a young team that are well drilled and their style of rugby will win them alot more games in the future.

Corithians in 2nd place 18's Cup

Last Sunday week Westport were at home to favourites Corinthians in the quarter final and after a very tough game the sides were even at 5-5 and a replay was fixed for the following Thursday in Galway.Again it was a close encounter with the score 0-0 at half time after Westport had played some great rugby against a very stiff breeze.The visitors were of course confident with a strong wind behind them in the second half but it was the hosts who scored first with a good try after some poor defence.Westport never gave up and with ten minutes to go Brendan Carpenter put over a penalty.Corinthians appeared to have won the game with some great defence but with only two minutes to go their posession was turned over and after great passing in the backline Calum Southgate scored in tha corner giving Westport a great victory by 8-5.

U-13s; Westport 17......Sligo 15

Westport were at home last Saturday against Sligo and conditions were perfect for open rugby and anyone that was in Carrowholly witnessed a great game with both sides running the ball all over the pitch.The fact that at under 13 rugby no one is allowed to kick the ball outside the 22m improves the skill of all players and one wonders should it be the same rule at all levelsThere was never going to be much between these two sides and with tries from Dwane Corcoran,Keenan Mc Nally and Paddy Glavey, the one conversion from Dwane Corcoran proved to be the only difference.

Rory Ludden was captain for the game and playing great rugby but with only minutes left and almost getting a try he was unfortunate to break his leg.All his team mates and everyone in Westport RFC wish him a speady recovery as he will be badly missed for the cup.

Fat Andy says

"Tough break Get well soon Rory"

U-15s; Westport 76........Monivea 0

The last time these sides met Westport just got the better of Monivea in the final quarter of the game but this time the visitors came up against a team who have really improved and with their scrum-half and Captain Austin Gibbons running the game with his quick passing and breaking runs there was nothing Monivea could do.

Tries from Joseph Keane(3),Emmet Morahan (2), Brian Flemming(2),Joe O Malley(2),Jamie Dever(1),John Sammon(1) and Mark Barrett (1)plus 8 conversions shows the total domination Westport had but the numbers at training need to keep up as there will be tougher games ahead.

Sunday 03/02/08 Westport 46 Tuam 0

A good result from a promising team, full of potential, Tuam travelled shy by 3 players, so the homeside lent them the three they needed and played the match with the points already conceeded. This did not take away from a convincing and dominant display of rugby and this team will go far if it continues to play as it did today (see photos on pics page)

Tuam arrived in Westport on a very wet day last Sunday and as always bring as strong a team as possible but unfortunatly came up against a home team that played some of their better rugby as a unit this season. At half time Westport were 19.0 ahead with tries from Lee Keegan, Thomas Mc Donagh and Calum Southgate and two conversions from Brendan Carpenter.The second half belonged to the home team as they completely controlled the game and there were tries from David Heraty, Christy Dyra, Lee Keegan(2) and Liam Carpenter with two conversions from Brendan Keane.

There are not many more games between now and the cup some everyone is required to turn for training every week.

Matches Sat. 26 / 01 / 08

U-13s Westport 21..............Galwegians 26

Westport came up against probably the strongest team in Connacht rugby this season and with a panel of almost 58 players to choose from it was always going to be a tough game.The visitors were 12-0 ahead at half time and after the break went a further two tries ahead with the game quickly pulling away from the home team which was going to test their attitude.Westport came back with some great rugby and scored tries from Paddy Glavey,Keelan Dever,David Morrison and Brian Mullens with four conversions by Dwane Corcoran.This was a great effort by Westport and will only make them a better team as the season continues.

U-14s League Ballinrobe 12...............Westport 38

Westport travelled to Ballinrobe last Saturday hoping for a win to put them in position for the play-offs against Creggs next weekend.The visitors played some great rugby but did not have it all their own way as the home side scored two fine tries but the power and strong running of Westport was too much in the end and won 37-12 with tries from

Darren Mc Loughlin,Andrew Mc Aleer, Laurence O Malley,Kieran Mc Fadden(3) and Ruen Pepperhobs and conversion from Darren Mc Loughlin.

U-15s League Westport 36..................Sligo 0

After a long break over the Xmas period Westport were at home to Sligo last Saturday and hoping to keep their winning ways but could be short on match fittness.The visitors

arrived with a big team and as with all Sligo sides a tough game was to be expected but the home side were eager for a game and rattled thier opponents from the very begining.Westport were just too strong in the end,and with tries from Joseph Keane(4) and Mark Barrett(3) and three conversions from Mark Barrett won comfortably by 36.0

Connacht Youths / U18 News

26/01/2008

The Connacht Youths side won the Interprovincial Championship for a second year running with an 18-7 win over Leinster in Mullingar on Saturday.

A superb perfromance from outhalf Adam Kennedy, who kicked three penalties and cleared Connacht's lines throughout the match typified the commitment of his side throughout a difficult contest.

The outhalf put Connacht ahead with a seventh minute penalty and Connacht's lead was extended three minutes later by a try from right wing Kevin Russell. Shortly before half time Kennedy put his side further ahead with another penalty on 27 minutes before left wing Finn Gormley matched his right wing colleagues earlier effort, by scoring a try of his own on 32 minutes to put Connacht into a 16-0 half time lead.

Just like in the semi final against Ulster at the Sportsground, Leinster came out for the second half with renewed vigour and after Kennedy put Connacht ahead with another penalty on 48 minutes, the Blues responded with a try of their own from number eight Aidan Mulligan. Niall Earls converted for Leinster to reduce the deficit to twelve but some superb defending from Connacht in the final minutes ensured that they retained their title and remained undefeated in the competition for the second year running.

U-13s Castlebar 5........Westport 34 Sat 19/01/08

Westport travelled to Castlebar last Saturday and although the home side had a large panel of players the visitors were just to strong.It did not take long before Westport got on the score sheet and after that it was all one way although Castlebar always tried hard to get into the game.

Try scorers for Westport were Brian Mullen,Keenan Mc Nally(2), Keelan Dever,Davic Morrison, and the ever improving Thomas Geraghty with Dwayne Corcoran getting two conversions.One match remains in this section of the U-13s and then it is time to prepare for the Cup which kicks off on 15th March with a home game.

U-14s Westport 31.......Tuam 10 Sat. 19/01/08

Tuam arrived to play Westport last Saturday very confident of getting a win especially with the strong squad they had but came up against a team that has been improving every week and certainly played alot better rugby than their opposition.The home side dominated the first half and when they were awarded a penalty on the opposition 22m Andrew McAleer was very alert and he took a quick penalty to sprint past the Tuam players to score under the posts with Liam Staunton getting the conversion.Danny Moran scored a try soon afterwards which was again converted by Liam Staunton and just before the break Shane Prendergast who is improving with every game ,used his strength to stretch over for a try.

In The second half Darren Mc Loughlin outsprinted the Tuam defence to score a try ,converted by Liam Staunton.Tuam replied with two tries before Kieran Mc Fadden broke away from some tackles and sprinted from inside his own half to score the final try.The 14s are meant to have an away game to Ballinrobe next Saturday

Well done Connaught 18's and the Westport fellas

Connaught 20 Ulster 3

The Connacht Youths extended their unbeaten record in this season's Interprovincial Championship with a 20-3 victory over Ulster in Saturday 20th January's semi final at the Sportsground.

Despite having home advantage Connacht didn't have it all their own way as Ulster took the lead after three minutes through a penalty from fullback Michael Lawton.

The home side kept their composure and four minutes later responded with a superb individual try from scrumhalf Mark Dolan. After receiving the ball from the back of a ruck on the Ulster22, Dolan broke to the right to the surprise of the Ulster line and ran in to the right of the posts. Adam Kennedy, who was already playing very well at outhalf added the conversion.

Four minutes later it was more of the same. This time it was right wing Kevin Russell who broke from the half way line, ran to the left past several Ulster players and finished his try in the near left corner. Kennedy, again in superb kicking form added the points with his touchline conversion.

Connacht continued to put the visitors under pressure and after 20 minutes were awarded a penalty thirty metres out to the left of the posts. Kennedy once again extended the home sides lead, to 17-3 but twelve minutes later, perhaps feeling as though the game was already won, he opted for the corner from a similar position. This time however the Ulster defence held firm and it wasn't until injury time at the end of the first half that Connacht got another opportunity to extend their lead.

Ulster, having been penalised for going in from the side in front of their own posts and a mere 22 metres out, were punished by Kennedy's accuracy once again, as the home side went in at the interval 20-3 ahead.

The second half despite not producing a score saw Ulster emerge with renewed vigour. Their defending improved and at times they pushed Connacht back inside their own half but it was never going to be enough to defeat a side who are unbeaten in nearly two years.

Scorers:

Connacht:

Tries:Dolan, Russell

Cons:Kennedy (2)

Pens:Kennedy (2)

Ulster:

Pen: Lawton

Connacht: B Carpenter (Westport); K Russell (Corinthians), C Conroy (Galwegians), S O’Meara (Galwegians), F Gormley (Corinthians); A Kennedy (Buccaneers), M Dolan (Buccaneers); D Henshaw (Buccaneers), K Egan (Corinthians), T Thompson (Buccaneers); S Casey (Castlebar), E McKeown (Galwegians); S Connolly (Galwegians), R Kerins (Sligo), J Kenny (Buccaneers).

Replacements: J Robinson (Corinthians) for Henshaw, 50mins; A Spring (Sligo) for McKeown, 58 mins; L Walsh (Buccaneers) for Connolly, 69 mins; M Dempsey (Westport) for Gormley, 69 mins.

Ulster: M Lawton; P Allen, A Malcolm, J Bennett, J O’Toole; D Whitten, N McMullan; J Carscadden, J Weir, R Hill; C Stewart, L Jones; J Donaldson, D Gallagher, J Simpson.

Replacements: S Irvine for Simpson, 36mins; F Lynch for Carscadden, 43 mins; R Irvine for Whitten, 53 mins; R Smyth for Weir, 69 mins.

Referee: K Beggs.

Connacht Youths announce side to face Ulster

The Connacht Youths have announced their side to face Ulster in the semi final of the Interprovincial Championship to be played at the Sportsground on Saturday 19th Jan. (kick off 1pm).

There are several changes to the side since their last outing before Christmas as Kevin Russell (Corinthians) comes into the side on the right wing and David Henshaw (Buccaneers), who was called up to the squad recently, follows in his fathers footsteps by representing Connacht at loosehead prop.

There was good news for the side this morning when James Robinson (Corinthians) was passed fit by Connacht physio, Gavin Malouf, after overcoming calf and hamstring injuries, to take his place on the bench.

Connacht Youths team:

15	Carpenter	Brendan	Westport
14	Russell	Kevin	Corinthians
13	Conroy	Colin	Galwegians
12	O`Meara	Shane	Galwegians
11	Gormley	Finn	Corinthians
10	Kennedy	Adam	Buccaneers
9	Dolan	Mark	Buccaneers
8	Kenny	Joe	Buccaneers
7	Kerins	Rory	Sligo
6	Connolly	Shane	Galwegians
5	McKeown	Eoin	Galwegians
4	Casey	Shane	Castlebar
3	Thompson	Trevor	Buccaneers
2	Egan	Karl	Corinthians
1	Henshaw	David	Buccaneers

16	Walsh	Lorcan	Buccaneers
17	Carey	John James	Ballinasloe
18	Spring	Aaron	Sligo
19	Robinson	James	Corinthians
20	Dempsey	Matthew	Westport
21	Murphy	Conor	Corinthians
22	Southgate	Callium	Westport

Westport 12.......Buccaneers 5 Sat. 12th Jan. 2008

Westport were at home to Buccaneers last Saturday and a game against such a big club was going to decide how far this U-13s team had improved this season.Once again is was a real team effort because they played as they train with the ball being spread wide at every effort.

Kieran Mc Nally is really enjoying his rugby since joining the club and was again on the scoresheet with two great tries with one conversion by Dwayne Corcoran.If this Westport team keep playing strong running rugby from 1-15 they will be a force to contend with in the future.

Training as usual on Wed at 6pm for 13s and 14s as both teams have games at the weekend.

U-14s league 5th Jan 2008

Westport 14............Creggs 14

Westport were at home last Saturday to Creggs and as always the visitors have one of the strongest sides in Connaught which was going to test the home side.It was a great contest between the two teams and although Creggs were ahead right up to the final few minutes the Westport side worked their way up the pitch and scored a try in the dying minutes which left the final score 14-14 and a fair result between two good teams.The scores for Westport were from their the flying newcomer to the club, Ciaran Mc Fadden,with two tries,Mathew Mellotte with a conversion and Laurance O malley one try.

Next Saturday the U-14s are away to Ballinrobe while the U=13s are at home to Buccaaneers.

Training as uaual on Wednesday at 6pm

U-18s league 6th Jan. 2008

Ballina 5................Westport 38

Westport travelled to Ballina last Sunday and after gifting the home side an early try they improved their game but at half time were ahesd 7-5 after a great try by Tommy English converted by Thomas Mc Donagh. The second half was all Westport as their foward pack dominated the game and ran in tries from Alan Bourke (1), Liam Carpenter(2) Alan Durcan (1) and John Needham(1) with conversions by Thomas Mc Donagh(3) and Lee Keegan (2).This was a fairly good performance from the Westport side and will only improve with large numbers at training.

Under 13s League. Ballina 0........Westport 36

The under 13s travelled to Ballina last Saturday and came up against a very big home side but at half time were leading 5-0 thanks to great try by Michael Brady.This Westport team may not be big size but are big in heart and are very well drilled in the basics of rugby which showed in the second half where they ran Ballina all over the pitch.The visitors scored five tries (Dylan Carpenter 2, Dwane Corcoran 1, Brian Mullens 1 and Rory Ludden 1 ) with three conversions from Dwane Corcoran ,running the ball wide at every opportunity and they can only get better.

Westport 18's Team Mathew Dempsey on the break

16/12/07 U-18s League; Westport 14........Galwegians 0

On a bitterly cold and windy day last Sunday Westport were hosts to Galwegians in the first and very important match in the Division 1 league a game which they had to win and against tough opposition.The home side played with the wind in the first half and about ten minutes into the game Mathew Dempsey broke through the visitors defence to score a fine try which was converted by Brendan Carpenter and although they donimated pocession and territory were unable to add further points with the half time 7-0 to the hosts.Galwegians had a strong wind in the second half but Westports defence was very strong and they put the visitors under a lot of pressure which made them make alot of errors.Midway through the second half a great move by the Westport backs put Thomas Mc Donagh through and he sprinted in from the 22 to score under the posts which was converted by Brenday Carpenter.The home side dominated the rest of the game but with Galwegians spoiling alot of rucks and mauls it wa

s very frustrating as Westport were trying to play a more open game but ended up winning 14-0.The next game is on the 30th December so all players will be texted with regards to training.

U-18s Rugby Tuam 18-------Westport 24 25 / 11 / 07

Westport travelled to Tuam for a badly needed game last Sunday before the league play offs begin and played some great rugby in the first half.Mathew Dempsey opened the scoring with a fine try which was converted by Thomas Mc Donagh with two further unconverted tries from Ian Dever and Christy Dever but the home side never gave up and replied with two tries leaving the half time score 17-12.The second half was a bit scrappy with the home side getting two penalities but Westport finished off the game with a try from Thomas Mc Donagh which was converted by Brendan Carpenter.This was an important game for Westport as the early stages of the league have been in a bit of a mess with a lot of clubs unable to field teams.

U-15s Rugby Ballina 7-------Westport 31 24 / 11 / 07

Westport travelled to Ballina last Saturday on a wet and windy day and with the ground being so soft it did not help for open play.The visitors scored first with a great try from Joseph Keane converted by Mark Barrett but Ballina replied later on with a try.Just before half time Adam Bourke who played probably his best game of the season stormed over for a great try leaving the half time score 12-7 to the visitors.Westport had the wind behind them in the second half and Joseph Keane ran in three tries ,two of which were converted by Mark Barrett.It is always good to get a win away to Ballina but this team have still a lot of work to do if they are going to reach their potential.

U-14s Rugby Ballina 0-------Westport 15 24 / 11 / 07

Westport travelled to Ballina last Saturday under the watchful eye of two of the clubs senior players Stevie Keane and Alan Cusack and came away with a great win.This team has been improving with every game and were ahead at half time by 10-0 with some great tries from Kieran Mc Fadden and Davy Moran.The visitors were never under great pressure in the second half but took their foot off the pedal and only scored a try from Andrew Mc Aleer to leave the final score 15-0 to Westport.Westport U-15s next game is at home to Tuam on 8th December

U-13s League Sligo 17..............Westport 14 : Sat. 17/11/07

Westport travelled to Sligo last Saturday without their full squad and once again proved what a good side they are against a home team who are always very strong at youth level.Although Sligo kept the lead right to end two great tries from Keelan Dever and Thomas Geraghty with two conversions from Dwane Corcoran kept the visitors in touch all through the game and indeed were very close to getting the winning score.Once again this was a great performance by the Westport team and can look foward to playing Galwegians at home on 1st December.

U-14s League Castlebar 5..........Westport 19 Week: Commencing12/11/07

The U-14s team were away to Castlebar last week and came up against a very big home team but this Westport side are improving every week and their skills showed as the game went on.Andrew McAleer scored three tries after some great work by the pack and fine movement in the backline with Liam Staunton getting two conversions.Next Saturday the Westport U-14s andv U-15s are away to Ballina and hopefully two good results against what will be stiff opposition.

13s Westport 17....Creggs 0

Westport were at home last Saturday to Creggs and as usual this small but very effective team overcame a good visiting side as they did against Carrick-on Shannon two weeks earlier.The game was played in great conditions and the home side ran the ball at every chance they got.Westport are a very well balanced team but the impressive Paddy Glavey on the wing showed great skill and strength to score three great tries with Dwane Corcoran getting one conversion leaving the final score 17-0 to the home side.This team will have a much tougher game when they travel to Sligo on Saturday 17th November.

U-14s Westport 0 .Sligo 12

Sligo were the visitors to Westport on Saturday 27th October and as usual were a strong side and well drilled.Westport were slow to get into their stride and at half time were 12-0 behind.The home side although not playing to their potential tried hard to get the game back but ran out of time and lost 12-0 in the end.This Westport team have had only two full training sessions together and will be showing alot more potential as the season goes on.Westport travel to Castlebar next Saturday 10th November for what will be an interesting game.

U-15s Monivea 5......Westport 43

Westport made the long journey to Monivea last Saturday and needed a big win after the tough game with Buccaneers two weeks previous.The home side had a huge pack of fowards so Westport had to overcome this in the hope of getting clean ball for the backsto run.It was not a pretty game but the visitors ran in tries from Emmet Morahan (2), Brian Flemming(2),Mark Barrett,Joe Keane and Austin Gibbons tries each and Mark Barrett four conversions.The game was very well controlled by a local referee which was great to see and made the game enjoyable for both teams and coaches.A huge improvement is required for next Saturday 10th November when Sligo are the visitors to Westport.

U-18s Galwegians 12....Westport 12

This Westport side needed a huge improvement after their loss against Corinthians two weeks previous and they produced alot of good rugby against Galwegians.The visitors did not get off to a great start and by half-time were trailing the home side by 12-0.Westports play improved in the second half and scored two tries through Calum Southgate with one conversion by Brendan Carpenter.Had the visitors played the first half as they did the second and a few dubious decisions gone their way they could have won the game.Everyone needs to be at training on Wednesday if this team is going to improve,

Mini Rugby Regulations

2007/2008

The IRFU Mini placeRugby Committee would like to make all participants aware of the following regulations:

Code of Ethics

All volunteers involved with mini rugby (in any capacity) must read the IRFU Code of Ethics and sign the Declaration of Intent. (The signed copy of the Declaration must be handed into the club Club Children's Officer or School Games Master for record keeping in the club or school.

Clubs are responsible to ensure that all their volunteers involved in age grade rugby adhere to all aspects of the IRFU policy on Child Welfare.

Code of Conduct

All participants in Mini Rugby are to adhere to all aspects of the IRFU Code of Conduct for Players/ Coaches/ Parents and Spectators.

Ethos

The ethos of Mini Rugby is to introduce the game of rugby in a safe and enjoyable manner ensuring participation and inclusion. The principle of players first must apply to all coaches at all times. Any appeals regarding Mini Rugby matters must be directed to the Branch Mini Rugby Committee.

Fixtures

Blitz days or club/school days ensuring inclusion and participation is encouraged rather than the running of competitions, leagues and or cups resulting in over competitiveness and or behaviour problems on and off the field.

All fixtures (with exception of school fixtures) to take place in a blitz day or club day format and to be arranged in conjunction with the Branch Mini Rugby Committee.

Blitz days (Branch approved competitions)

May be arranged as follows: by Regions or Areas/ by Invitation/ by Schools and by Province.

Mini Rugby Committees to have a season plan to assist with arranging Blitz days and or events.

Age limit and stages must be confirmed prior to the start of Blitz days and clear indications should accompany all invitations.

Club coaches/ managers must be able to give proof of registration (event or Blitz day registration form) before his/her team's first match in the event/Blitz day.

Before the start of the event a referees / coaches briefing must take place to clarify all arrangements e.g. stages, format of play and safety.

Should there be any concerns over safety (e.g. ability to scrum) matches will then be played at the next lower stage.

Eligibility

Mini placeRugby is a participation sport.

Date of eligibility for participants is the 1st July.

Schools - attendance of school.

Clubs eligibility is not confined to current Youth eligibility regulations.

Playing over age players is illegal and immoral and will lead to coaches, teams, schools or clubs being banned from future events.

Registration

All players must be registered with their Club.

Correspondence

Any correspondence regarding Mini Rugby must be directed to the Branch Mini Rugby Committee

Maximum playing time

Consideration must be given to clubs/teams with small numbers and or no reserves to prevent/avoid exhaustion and or the risk of injuries.

Regulations and Laws regarding Mini placeRugby:

The IRFU feels strongly that due to variations in the physical, mental, social and emotional developments of young children, players 7 years old and or younger should not play full contact games. Children in this age group should be introduced to Rugby Union through the non-contact game of Leprechaun placeRugby.

Mini placeRugby has been broken down into 3 distinct stages which progressively introduce and develop the fundamental skills of Rugby Football, regulations as follows:

Regulation	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3
Suggested age group(s)	U8	U9 & 10	U11 & 12

Ball size	3	4	4
Maximum time per half - single match/no injury time allowed	15 min.	15 min.	20 min.
Maximum time per half - blitz days	7 min.	7 min.	7 min.
Maximum time allowed to play per day/ event	70 min.	70 min.	70 min.
Minimum time allowed for half time	1 min.	1 min.	1 min.
No of players in team	8	8	10
No of forwards	3	3	5
No of backs	5	5	5
Safety zone between pitches	6m	6m	6m
Tackle height - no swinging tackle allowed	Waist	Waist	Waist
Hand off	Not allowed	Below shoulder	Below Shoulder
Time allowed for rucks & mauls	5 sec.	5 sec.	5 sec.
No of players allowed in rucks & mauls per side	3	3	5
Kicking allowed	No	No	Defence zone only
Start match	Pass off	Pass off	As per 15 -a-side
Method of scoring	Try	Try	Try
Maximum no of players on panel for Blitz days	14	14	16
Line out	No	3 Man	5 Man
Scrum	No	3 Man	5 Man

Coaches are responsible for compliance with this document.

No limit on number of players to play in club days or events.

Full panel to participate in all matches.

Regulations regarding Mini and Tag placeRugby:

Start of match and/or restarts:

Intro and Stages 1 & 2:

All starts and restarts are by pass off (from the ground) and must be on the referees whistle. The opposition must retire 10m from the ball and can only move once the scrum half/passer places their hands on the ball. The first receiver must start no more than 2m back from the scrum half/passer.

At the start of both halves and after a try has been scored, the pass off must take place from the centre of the pitch.

Stage 3:

Starts and restarts as per the 15-a-side game and must be on the referees whistle.

Penalties:

Stage 1 & 2:

Penalties are taken by a pass off (from the ground) and on the referees whistle, the opposition must be 10m back from the mark (or behind the goal line). Penalties must be taken through the mark. To play the ball, it must be first tapped with the foot before being passed off the ground.

Stage 3:

Penalties must be taken through the mark designated by the referee. A scrum to be awarded to the opposition if persistently done incorrectly. Opposition

must be 10 m back (or behind the goal line) . To play the ball, it must be first tapped with the foot before being passed off the ground.

Kicking:

Stage 1 & 2:

Stage 3:

It is not permitted to kick the ball outside the “defensive zone” (10m from own goal line). If the offence is unintentional, a scrum is awarded to the opposition and if intentional a penalty to the opposition.

Scrum:

Stage 2: (3 man)

No push or contesting allowed, ball must be put in straight.

Opposition scrum half behind his forwards - no follow around allowed.

Scrum is over when ball is in the hands of the attacking scrum half.

Scrum half must pass the ball - no break allowed.

All players stay bound until ball has emerged.

Both back lines 5m back to allow attack.

Always 10m from touch line and 5m from goal line.

Stage 3: (5 man)

All players stay bound until ball has emerged.

Scrum may not move further than 1 step from the mid point of original scrum. Only strike can be contested (hooker v hooker).

Scrum half to feed the ball into the scrum with two hands and straight.

No forward allowed to pick up the ball from the scrum.

Opposition scrum half behind his 2nd Rows - no follow around allowed.

Both back lines 5m from scrum to allow attacks.

Always 10m from touchline and 5m from goal line.

Scrum is over when referee calls “scrum over” or when the ball is in the hands of the scrum half who may break.

Line out: No Lifting allowed in Mini placeRugby

Stage 2: (2 man)

Line-out 2m from touch line.

No contest.

Line-out is over when the scrum half passes the ball.

Hooker at the front of the line-out.

Both back lines 5m back to allow attack.

Scrum halves behind their forwards and must pass the ball. No break allowed.

Ball must be thrown straight into the line-out - no over throw.

No catch and drive allowed.

Stage 3: (5 man)

2m from touch line.

Only the jump can be contested.

A space of one metre (arms length) between all players in the line-out

Both hookers must be at the front of the line-out and both scrum halves behind their forwards.

Both backs lines 5m back to allow attack.

Hookers must throw to players (2m.), no over throw allowed and must be straight.

Line -out is over when the scrum half passes the ball/ makes a break or when team catching the ball - catch & drive (5 seconds - “use it or lose it”) to apply.

Rucks and mauls:

Referees to talk players through it and after 5 seconds “use it or lose it”

Discipline:

No sending off in Mini placeRugby only compulsory substitutions to ensure same numbers on the pitch at all times.

High tackles/swing tackles:

Player to receive 1 (one) verbal warning from the referee. If the player offends again compulsory substitution to be made by coach on request by the referee. Player allowed to participate in next match or rest of the day's event.

Punching/ kicking of an opponent:

No warning - immediate compulsory substitution and the player is not allowed to participate in next match or rest of the day's event

Squeeze ball and Bridging:

Not allowed

Ball in one hand:

If carrying the ball in one hand (which should be discouraged) the free hand must not be used to fend off another player or prevent the tackle other than when used properly to hand off in stage 3

Pitch regulations:

Pitch regulations

Pitch regulations:

Suggested checklist to help with events:

All pitches to be clearly marked showing touch line, try line, defensive zone (U11 & 12 only), halfway line and safety zones between pitches.

Inspect playing area and clear any obstacles.

Cordon off (tape or markers) safety zone between pitches. Only coaches and first aiders allowed in this area. All substitutes, parents and supporters to stand behind dead ball line or outside pitch railing if applicable.

For under 11 and 12 matches have your compulsory substitutes selected for all matches on the day.

Have all match balls pumped and spare whistles available.

Do not use red traffic cones for pitch markings - these are pointed and can cause injury if fallen upon.

No team (club) to play more than the maximum time allowed (70 min.) per day or event.

Ensure all referees are Branch appointed or identifiable (wearing official Team Ireland Mini Rugby Referees bib).

Ensure briefing with referees and coaches takes place prior to the start of the event.

Playing players out of their age group is not allowed. For safety and development all players have to play in their specific age group.

Blitz registration from to be sent out with invitation and to be returned to the event coordinator when registering.

If you would like more information about Mini Rugby or would like information on coaching courses, refereeing, or additional coaching material, please contact your Provincial Rugby Development Department.

Connacht:

IRFU Connacht Branch,

Galway Sportsground,

College Road,

Galway.

Tel: 091 - 561-568

Fax: 091 - 560-097

Email: info@cbirfu.com

Season Plan 2007/8

Date	Mini placeRugby	U13	U14	U16	U18	Youth Rep. squad	Snr. Int.
Sept 1	Organisation	Train	Train	Train	Train	I-pro prep
8	Organisation	Train	Train	Train	Train	I-pro prep	RWC
15	Organisation	Train	Train	Train	Train	Inter-pro 1	RWC
22	Organisation	Train	Train	Train	Train	Inter-pro 2	RWC
29	Organisation	Train	Lge	Train	Train	Inter-pro 3	RWC
Oct 6	Nat. Blitz	Blitz	Lge	Lge	Lge		RWC
13	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge		RWC
20	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge		RWC
27	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge		Squad	RWC
Nov 3	Club Day	Blitz	Lge	Lge	Lge
10	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge
17	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge
24	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge		Squad
Dec 1	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge
8	Club Day	Blitz	Lge	Lge	Lge
15	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge
22
29						Squad
Jan 5	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge
12	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge	Lge
19	Club Day	Club	Lge	Lge		I-pro S/F
26	Club Day	Blitz	Lge	Lge		I-pro Final
Feb 2	Club Day	Club	Cup	Cup	Cup		placecountry-regionItaly
7	Club Day	Club	Cup	Cup	Cup		Fra.
16	Blitz / comp	Club	Cup	Cup