So you want to learn how to play Rugby Union ?

Rugby Union is the fastest growing major sport in the country which is now attracting more people than ever to enjoy the game of rugby football as either professional or amateur players, volunteers and supporters. The RFU in England uphold some core values which represent Five Good Reasons to get involved with rugby. There are over 2,250,000 players, 1,927 rugby clubs, 3,100 schools, 37,000 referees and 57,000 coaches assisted by 40,000 volunteers all helping people learn how to play Rugby Union.

This is Rugby

• Teamwork

  Teamwork is essential to our sport. We welcome all new team members and include all because working as a team enriches our lives. We play selflessly: working for the team, not for ourselves alone, both on and off the field. We take pride in our team, rely on one another and understand that each player has a part to play. We speak out if our team or sport is threatened by inappropriate words or actions

  

• Respect

  Mutual respect forms the basis of our sport. We hold in high esteem our sport, its values and traditions and earn the respect of others in the way we behave. We respect our match officials and accept their decisions. We respect opposition players and supporters. We value our coaches and those who run our clubs and treat clubhouses with consideration.

• Enjoyment

  Enjoyment is the reason we play and support rugby union. We encourage players to enjoy training and playing. We use our sport to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build life skills. We safeguard our young players and help them have fun. We enjoy being part of a team and part of the rugby family

  

• Discipline

  Strong discipline underpins our sport. We ensure that our sport is one of controlled physical endeavour and that we are honest and fair. We obey the laws of the game which ensure an inclusive and exciting global game. We support our disciplinary system, which protects our sport and upholds its values. We observe the sport's laws and regulations and report serious breaches

• Sportsmanship

  Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which rugby union is built. We uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with teammates and opposition. We observe fair play both on and off the pitch and are generous in victory and dignified in defeat. We play to win but not at all costs and recognise both endeavour and achievement. We ensure that the wellbeing and development of individual players is central to all rugby activity

Rugby is a game played in many parts of the world, from New Zealand to Finland, South Africa to Fiji with 94 rugby playing countries currently detailed on the IRB World Rankings table. Stronger nations feature at the top of the rankings chart and with 2011 being a Rugby World Cup year teams will get the chance to prove their worth. Southern hemisphere sides currently top the listing with Ireland coming in fourth just edging it in front of England following their victory in this seasons Six Nations Tournament. But how do you find out how to play rugby?

There are also different forms of the game on offer to take part in, have you considered Beach Rugby, a fast-moving, non-contact, five-a-side game where a tackle is replaced by a tag, making it suitable for men and women of all ages to play together.

Tag Rugby is widely used in Primary Schools and by Under 7 and Under 8 groups at clubs as the RFU's official introduction to rugby. Tag rugby is a non-contact variant of the game which replaces full contact tackles with the removal of a ribbon attached by velcro on a belt worn by all players. It is played by a reduced number of players on a smaller pitch for a reduced time, allowing participants to focus on the basic core skills of handling and running.

If you do want to get started in rugby then it is very easy to get involved with a local rugby club. Remember ne of rugby’s main attractions is that the game thrives because it fits all ages, shapes and sizes. Teams only function if they have the right combination of players – from big and sturdy props to tall and athletic second rows and to fast and elusive wingers –  there will be a place for you at Broadstreet RFC.

Broadstreet RFC are a successful rugby club based in Binley Woods Coventry, providing some of the best rugby facilities in the United Kingdom, The club reguarly run six senior sides consisting of 1st XV, 2nd XV, Beavers XV, Badgers XV, Colts XV and a Junior Colts team.  The Mini and Junior Rugby sections run teams at each group from under 7s through to Under 16s. Our mini rugby coaches are CRB checked and the club hold the RFU seal of approval.