FAQs

When does the season start and when does it end? 

We will have some preseason training in February and March with training starting in mid to late March 2024. The first game will be in the last  weekend of March 2024. The grand finals for U10s and above will be held on the last Sunday in September. Presentation day will be a few weeks after this

When is training and where is it held?

Minis (U6 - U9s): training is held on Friday Nights from 5:30pm and the clubhouse is open until 8:00pm. There are sausage sandwiches and other BBQ items for sale, soft drinks and the bar is open for parents. 

Juniors (children U9 and above): training nights are held on Tuesdays from 6:00pm, with some teams choosing to have an additional, optional training on other nights, usually Fridays so the parents can soak up the club ambience.  Opens (U17-U18): training nights are on Wednesdays from 6:00pm before the seniors. 

My child has never played rugby before will they be able to play for St Ives? 

We welcome all children, girls and boys, no matter their level of experience or ability. New players will be taught the essential skills they need, these are regularly drilled by all teams.

Is rugby a safe sport for my child to participate in?

Minis rugby (U6-U9’s) is designed to slowly introduce aspects of rugby to young children safely and progressively. U6s and U7s play no-tackle tag rugby, tackling is safely and progressively introduced from U8s. Our coaches spend a lot of time teaching players good tackling technique.

Juniors competition rules are designed to promote safe tackling and referees enforce these rules at games. Like any sport there are risks associated with playing rugby but these risks are mitigated by focussing on skills, fitness and ensuring that appropriate safety equipment is worn by players. 

What can I do while my child is at training?

The clubhouse is often open on training nights, the bar is open on Friday evenings and it is a great place to meet other parents and club members.

When and where are games played?

Minis games are usually held on Sunday mornings with one or two  gala days on Saturdays too, Juniors are on Sunday mornings and will be at home (Hassell Park) or away at the opponents venue. There are various gala days during the season hosted by clubs in the area.

When will we hear from our team?

Coaches and Managers are parent volunteers. Teams will usually begin to come together in early March when summer sport has ended and Rugby training is close to starting. As we confirm volunteers in these roles this will be communicated to their age groups.

Will there be a team for my child?

Yes, we form teams early in the season and evaluate numbers, where we have too few players in an age group or squad, or where we have too many players for the numbers of teams we can form, we enter into Joint Ventures with neighbouring clubs. We have great relationships with our fellow clubs and work together to ensure that everyone gets a chance to play. 

What equipment is needed for my child to play? 

All players will receive free shorts and socks before the start of the season. You will need boots and a training jersey for training. The club sells training jerseys or you can bring your own. Each team has a set of match day jerseys for games. All children need to have a mouthguard and head gear is optional.  

What else do I get for registering for rugby? 

Your kids will get season passes for Waratahs home games and there are often meet and greet events where they can meet their heroes. There is also free entry for kids to home Shute Shield games for Gordon. 

In 2024 Wahu are giving away free personalised backpacks for every Under 6 player registered and a personlaised boot bag and mouthguard case for Under 7s and U8s.  

How do I keep up to date on what's going on in the club?

Teamapp is our primary tool for communicating important information about what's going on in the club and any upcoming events. You can register on teamapp here: https://stivesjuniorrugby.teamapp.com

Most teams communicate using WhatsApp - you will be added to your teams WhatsApp group by you rmanager. 

You can also sign up to our Mailchimp mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/gUGArb

Where can I get kit from?

We will be selling kit from our clubhouse on occasion. We will let you know. 

 I don't know anything about rugby, will this affect my child's progress? 

A knowledge of the game is not necessary, we will help you learn about the game while your child develops their skills. There are also on-line and in person courses if you’d like to become a coach, referee or assistant referee. 

What avenues are there for the future development of my child's sporting growth?

As a Gordon Village Club, St Ives Junior Rugby Club is provides pathways to representative rugby.  Gordon Rugby provides development programs for all players but also opportunities for elite players. There are pathways all the way through Junior Rugby right up to state and national level.  

What if I’d like to get a bit more involved?

Our club is built on volunteers and we’d love your assistance. There are many ways you can assist, from simply taking a shift on the BBQ, setting up the pitch to coaching or managing a team. If the prestige and glamour of being part of your kids sport appeals to you please let us know at the club