About

The Capilano Rugby Club offers a Mini and Youth rugby program running from September to May, with registration typically opening in August. Designed for players aged 4 to 17, the program focuses on age-appropriate skill development in a fun, inclusive environment. Younger players start with non-contact flag rugby, emphasizing movement, teamwork, and confidence. As players progress through the age groups, they are gradually introduced to more structured gameplay, tackling, set pieces, positional awareness, and full rugby laws by the U18 level.

Practice sessions are held at Klahanie Park. Minis (U6 to U12) practice on Sundays at 10:00 AM, with an additional Friday session at 6:00 PM for U12s. Youth players (U14 to U18) train on Mondays and Wednesdays, with game days on Sundays. U14 and U16 boys practice from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, U18 boys from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, and U14/U16 girls from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

U6 – Introduction to Rugby (Ages 4–5)

Non-contact “tag” rugby using flags
Focus on fun, teamwork, and movement
Develops passing and basic gameplay skills
Builds confidence and coordination

U8 – Building the Basics (Ages 6–7)

Larger field and more structured games
Still non-contact with flag/tag rugby
Introduction to basic kicking skills
Emphasis on teamwork and spatial awareness

U10 – Game Fundamentals (Ages 8–10)

Focus on fun, movement, and teamwork
Running with ball and passing to teammates
Tackles simulated by flag pulling
Develops targeted backward passing

U12 – Intro to Contact (Ages 10–12)

Introduction to contact tackling and rucking
3v3 uncontested scrums and 2v2 lineouts
Continued emphasis on support play
Basic understanding of positions begins

U14 – Team Play & Structure (Ages 12–14)

Full rugby laws with slight modifications
Max 6v6 uncontested scrums (hookers contest strike)
Players begin positional specialization
Focus on realignment, support, and breakdowns

U16 – Positional Play (Ages 14–16)

Full rugby laws; suitable for all experience levels
Defined roles with position-specific responsibilities
Emphasis on team dynamics and off-ball play
Skill development tailored to each role

U18 – Ready for Senior Rugby (Ages 16–17)

Final stage before transition to senior rugby
Full laws and match-level intensity
Players expected to perform independently
Strong focus on physicality, strategy, execution and leadership