Millers Rugby

Welcome! Putting your kid into U12 (Under-12) rugby is one of the best things you can do for them. At this age, rugby in Ontario is all about building skills, confidence, teamwork, and still having a ton of fun - now with a safe introduction to contact that gets them excited about the real game.
Here's what you can realistically expect:

1. The Game Itself - Now Starting to Feel Like Real Rugby!

U12 in Ontario introduces modified contact (safe tackling, rucking).

Kids learn proper tackling: low (below the waist/armpit area), shoulder-led, no high or dangerous tackles.
Contested rucks over the ball, but controlled.
Scrums: small (3-player), uncontested (no pushing - just safe binding).
Lineouts: simple, no lifting (kids jump on their own).

Games: 7-a-side on a smaller field (quarter or half size).
Play time: Two 15-20 minute halves, lots of subs, everyone plays equally.

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.

Spring training and festivals happen throughout the summer.

Practices: usually 1-2 nights a week (60-90 minutes).

Games: Saturday or Sunday mornings. Often a mini “festival” where 4-12 teams show up, play 3-5 short games each, then everyone gets a snack or treat and heads home by early afternoon.

Total time commitment: still pretty low - perfect for busy families.

3. Cost:

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

4. What Your Child Will Actually Do

Run with the ball, pass backwards, make their first safe tackles, contest for the ball on the ground.
Learn scrums, lineouts, and basic strategy.

Tons of drills building technique first (lots of padding and slow-motion practice).
Coaches are almost always parent volunteers who get trained by Rugby Ontario - they're super patient and focus on safety.

5. Safety

Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario have very strict rules - contact is introduced gradually and modified for safety.
Coaches are screened and trained in concussion protocol and safe contact progressions.
Tackles are closely monitored; anything high or dangerous is stopped immediately.

It's designed to build good habits early, with low injury risk.

6. Parent Life

You'll probably be asked to bring orange slices or help set up cones once or twice.
You'll stand on the sideline with other parents drinking coffee, cheering every big tackle and try (for all the kids!).
Kids come home muddy, a bit tired, super proud, and already talking about next practice.
By the end of the first month, your kid will be begging to go to rugby.

This is the age where many kids really fall in love with the game - the contact adds excitement, but it's all kept fun and safe. You've got this! 🏉