The 2018 rugby season will see the introduction of exciting new grades across both senior and junior rugby.

After extensive review, there was a need identified for additional grades to be made available for those making rugby their sport of choice.

Senior rugby will see the addition of an Under 22 men’s grade to allow for those making the transition from Under 20 rugby and address the significant dropoff seen in the transition from age-restricted rugby to Premier and Premier Development rugby.

Auckland Rugby's Head of Participation Development Simon Devoy sees the grade as an opportunity for further participation for young age group players.

“Introduction of the Under 20s grade in 2013 gave the opportunity to play two years in a restricted grade directly out of school. There was a demand for a further age restricted grade and a further opportunity to play with mates before making the step up to premier rugby.”

The new grade’s focus is both participation and the provision of a meaningful competitive competition, creating an exciting rugby experience.

To achieve this, several formats are being considered, including: breaks in-season that allow for the odd weekend off, Friday night games, and regional fixtures.

Final details for the Under 22 grade will be made available early in 2018, however, clubs are already recruiting coaches and gearing up for the season.

Junior rugby is also expanding the grades on offer for kids with special open weight grades at Under 8, Under 11 and Under 13 levels.

(For the full 2018 junior grade weight chart, see HERE)

These have been decided upon by the Junior Rugby Committee’s Initiatives group that looked at all feedback and data from clubs across the Auckland region.

The grades are designed to give greater participation opportunities to all children no matter what their size.

Senior rugby:

• (NEW) Under 22 grade

Junior rugby:

• (NEW) Under 8 open weight grade
• (NEW) Under 11 open weight grade
• (NEW) Under 13 open weight grade