The 2011 Milo Junior Rugby Registration weekend is almost upon us so it’s time to start talking to your friends and classmates about playing some Saturday morning footy for your local club.

The weekend is a chance to get signed up for the new season and get some free gear! But at selected clubs Blues players and sponsor sampling vehicles will be available too.

This year the Milo Junior Rugby Registration Weekend will take place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March at the 20 clubs in Auckland.

Auckland Rugby provides grades from Under-6s through to Under 13s; last year alone there were over 400 teams in the junior ranks!

But before you jump into the play, there are a few things that your parents should know before taking you down to the local footie club.

1. Finding your local club.
You can find your local club using the Club Directory on this website. Click on this link to be redirected there now. Or you can contact Scott Collins (pictured to the right):

scott.collins@aucklandrugby.co.nz
(09) 815 4831

2. Talk to someone that has a son or daughter playing club rugby and get some advice.
If you’ve found a couple of clubs talk with the Junior Club Delegate to get an understanding of what the club has on offer.

3. A birth certificate is required (preferably the original) for all players who are registering.

4. Mouthguards are compulsory even in Rippa.
It’s a good habit to get into. Kids should be encouraged to wear them at trainings too.

5. Boots are required however in Rippa grades sandshoes are more then adequate.

♦ Rippa Rugby: Under-6 and Under-7
This grade is all about Rippa Rugby and provides a great opportunity to expose the kids to the fundamental skills of running and passing without all the bruising and crying.

Do clubs allow players younger then five-years-old to play?
Yes clubs do. If your son or daughter is keen to throw a ball around (or tuck it and go for the line) then sign them up. Once again it is non-contact and it’s a great chance to get them out and about with other Rugby nuts!

♦Learning Rugby - Under-8 to Under-10
This is the first furore into tackle rugby for junior rugby players. Building upon the basics of passing and running, the Learning Rugby grades introduce skills based around the tackle and contact situations in the game. This is still a modified version of the game we see on TV and features mods like half-field games, 10-a-side teams and no conversions.

Parents can rest safely in the knowledge that each grade offers a restricted weight and a (capped) open grade for your sons and daughters.

Can girls play tackle Rugby?
They certainly can! Hundreds of girls took to the field last year alongside their male counterparts on Saturday mornings and during school Rugby field days. Girls and boys can play mixed Rugby all the way through until Secondary School, however it is commonplace to see separate Boys and Girls teams at intermediate School Rugby field days.

♦Playing Rugby – Under 11 to Under 13
The last stage in the Small Black Rugby model. At this stage junior rugby takes on the look of our national game. Teams play full field, 15 a-side rugby and are provided with the skills and knowledge to round out their game before hitting the Secondary School and senior rugby ranks.

Restricted weight and (capped) open weights are on offer again, however a new feature is the addition of the first level of Championship competition.

Is all Rugby on Saturday morning?
No, not always. Some clubs have been offering Friday night games. Played under lights it is a huge buzz for the players plus it does free up time on Saturday mornings. It’s a great family night at the clubrooms, where you can take in a meal, a junior match plus a Rebel Sport Super 14 game if you're lucky!