Why girls rugby?
We have had girls playing at Dee Why Lions Rugby for many years. Sadly many of them moved on to other sports when the game moved to tackle. Many said they were keen to stay on and in the 2017 season the first all girls competition was held on the Northern Beaches.
The 2018 season brought some more teams to the competition and the competition doubled in number. It was exciting to see Dee Why Lions field TWO teams. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons our teams continued to play in the all girls competition – U8/U9 playing Mini Rugby and U10/U11 girls playing Sevens Rugby.
In 2021 we will again participate in the Sydney North Girls Rugby competitions. These games are played at Terrey Hills Rugby Club on Saturdays.
We also have PINK teams in the Minis U6 and U7 age groups. These younger pinks teams play in the local minis competition playing two handed tag style game, built around developing skills, building confidence and having fun with friends. The minis games are played to a carefully modified version of rugby, designed by the Australian Rugby Union.
Under 8 and 9 girls age group
Our girls will participate in their first year of tackle rugby in a more physical and technical approach to the game through the introduction of tackling, rucks, mauls, scrums and lineouts. At this point teams are playing 10-a-side games of 20 minute halves on a half-size pitch and, by season-end, are playing without the support of an on-pitch coach.
As the physicality of the game increases, so does our emphasis on safety. All of our coaches are “Smart Rugby” accredited and teach children how to safely engage in contact. Mouth guards are mandatory, and we prefer our players to wear head-gear.
Under 10 and 11 girls age group
Our older girls age group will participate in a Seven’s competition. It is a fast moving game of two short halves. Unlike the minis game the coach is on the sidelines for this one and it will be the first time we keep score and have a ladder for the girls competition.
Mouth guards are mandatory, and we prefer our players to wear head-gear.
You can find full details of the game modifications that apply to all age groups on the Australian Rugby Union web site.
If you’re considering registering your child to play rugby with us, please contact us here so that we can answer any questions you might have.