Millers Rugby

Welcome! Putting your kid into U8 (Under-8) rugby is one of the best things you can do for them. At this age, rugby in Ontario is 100% about fun, friends, making everyone feel included, and learning to love running around with a ball. It's basically organized chaos with almost no tackling and a huge emphasis on smiles.

Here's what you can realistically expect:

1. The Game Itself - It's Not What You See on TV

U8 in Ontario is almost always non-contact or minimal-contact (flag rugby).

Flag Rugby:
They wear a belt with two Velcro flags. To "tackle," the defender pulls off a flag (no pushing, no hitting the ground).
No tackling, no scrums, no lineouts, no kicking in general play (sometimes small kick-offs).
Games are usually 6-a-side or smaller on a tiny field (about half a soccer field or less).
Games are short: two 10-15 minute halves, lots of subs, everyone plays a ton.

2. Season & Schedule (Typical in Ontario)

Millers Rugby intention is to bring youth rugby to rural Ontario. We are actively working to establish teams in a number of communities.

If you have a community interested in starting a team, please contact us.

For the upcoming season, we are actively working to establish teams in the following communities:
- Middlesex Centre (Komoka, Mt. Brydges, etc.)
- Central Huron (Centennial Public School)
- St Thomas (St Joes High School)
- etc.

There is usually spring training and festivals happen throughout the summer.

Practices: usually 1 night a week (60-90 minutes).

Games:
Saturday or Sunday mornings. Usually a "festival" where 4-12 teams show up, play 3-5 short games each for half a day.

3. Cost

Mouthguard is mandatory.
Rugby cleats (soccer cleats are fine - no toe stud allowed).
No other big expenses at this age.

4. What Your Kid Will Actually Do

Run with the ball, learn to pass backwards, chase each other, laugh a lot.
Tons of games like "sharks and minnows" with flags, relay races, etc.
Coaches are almost always parent volunteers who get trained by Rugby Ontario - they're super patient.

5. Safety

Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario have very strict rules for little kids. No contact until U11/U12 in most places.
Coaches are screened and trained in concussion protocol.
It's safer than soccer at this age because there's no heading and no tackling.

6. Parent Life

You'll probably be asked to bring an orange slice or help set up tiny cones once or twice.
You'll stand on the sideline with other parents drinking coffee, cheering for every kid.

By the end of the first month their confidence will soar.