About

Since the last major review of junior rugby laws in 2008, community sport has evolved. Expectations around safety, enjoyment, inclusion and development have changed, and research has improved our understanding of how children best learn and develop through sport.

The Junior Law Review is not about fixing what’s broken; it’s about ensuring the game continues to meet the needs of today’s young players.

By updating the laws, we’ll:

• Align junior rugby with how kids learn and play today
• Boost player enjoyment and meaningful involvement
• Enhance safety through developmentally appropriate progressions
• Future-proof the game for generations to come

Rugby in Australia is entering a ‘Golden Decade’ of major events, creating a unique opportunity to grow the sport, welcome new participants, and inspire the next generation of players.

Following recent updates to the national entry-level Get into Rugby (U4–U7) format, the focus now turns to building a strong and consistent pathway to more structured and competitive forms of the game for players aged 8 to 15 years.

The Junior Law Review has been informed by national and international research on youth sport, child development, and player safety, and has actively engaged key members of the Australian rugby community through consultation and feedback.

Click here to view a summary of the key research themes.