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Rugby is a game played all around the world, and one that has been played in BC for well over 100 years! It is a sport for all ages, genders, shapes and sizes, and backgrounds.
Whether you are a newbie or seasoned veteran, there is a type of Rugby in BC for you.
Click on the topics below to explore more about Rugby:
RUGBY BASICS
The objective of Rugby is simple: two teams play against each other and try to score points by carrying the ball over the opposition’s goal line. Additional points can be scored by kicking the ball through the goal posts at your opponent’s end of the Rugby field. The team with the most points is declared the winner. If the points tallies are equal, then a game is tied.
There is a catch: In order to go FORWARDS on a Rugby pitch, a team must pass the ball BACKWARDS (although the ball can be kicked forwards). Therefore, the focus is on TEAMWORK and WORKING TOGETHER to beat your opponents.
Joining a Rugby community is a great way to meet new people and get active! There are formats to suit all budgets and people – whether you are a newbie, a veteran, a serious athlete or just want to play for fun! Learn more from the sport’s world governing body World Rugby on:
IS RUGBY SAFE?
In Rugby, safety and player welfare is the most important thing. Rugby is a physical but safe contact sport but, like most sports and recreational activities, it comes with some risk of injury.
Whether you are playing Senior Rugby for your Club or signing your child up for Rookie Rugby, we want you to have a safe and positive experience. At BC Rugby, we’re committed to treating all individuals with respect and consideration, and providing an organisation, community and environment that is welcoming, safe, and supportive for everyone to enjoy Rugby. This is embedded in our Code of Conduct.
Visit our Resources section for more information on player welfare.
Learn more about Physical and Mental Safety in Rugby by visiting our Safe Sport section.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RUGBY?
There are several types of Rugby to suit all individuals. Use the toggle menu below to learn more about the different types of Rugby:
Rugby XVs: "Traditional" Rugby
Rugby 15s, or XVs as it is also known, is the traditional full-contact and most common form of Rugby and relies on tactics as well as athleticism and physicality. . Each team has 15 players in dedicated positions with specific roles. Eight positions are known as ‘Forwards’ and correspond with shirt numbers 1-8. The remaining seven positions are ‘Backs’ and wear shirt numbers 9-15.
The 15s format is suited to people of all shapes and sizes, with specialist positions suiting certain athletic profiles. Forwards are the ball-winners, while backs are considered creative players who find and make space.
The 15s format includes set pieces such as the ‘scrum’ and ‘lineout’. These are used after the ball is knocked out of play (‘into touch’) or when an infringement occurs.
Rugby 7s: Fast, fun and exciting!
Rugby 7s has grown in popularity over the past few decades, both at grass roots and professional levels. Rugby 7s is now recognised as an Olympic sport and made its debut at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, where the Canadian Women’s team won the Bronze Medal.
British Columbia hosts a leg of the exciting HSBC Sevens World Series at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, which attracts thousands of Rugby fans from different nations and cultures.
Rugby 7s is a contact form of the sport. Each team only has 7 players on the pitch at any time. It can be played on a full or half-size Rugby field. With fewer players on each team, the focus is on speed, skill, passing and fitness. It brings together the basic skills of Rugby: running, passing, tackling and good decision making. Rugby 7s is incredibly exciting and entertaining to watch – but even more fun to play!
Touch Rugby: Perfect for Newbies!
Touch Rugby is a fast, fun and safe non-contact variation of Rugby 7s. Touch Rugby is for everyone, no matter their age, skill level, ability or previous experience! It is the ideal format for anyone interested in learning the basics of the game. Plus, it is also a super sociable sport and a great way to meet new friends or work colleagues!
Touch Rugby is a coed game where everyone gets involved. Using the same ball but smaller teams and playing areas, the aim is to use teamwork, pace and cunning to outfox and outscore your opponents!
Touch Rugby is an ideal format for Juniors. It introduces them to the basics of the game and allows for a lot of fun in a safe, welcoming environment.
Masters Rugby: You’re never too old!
Masters Rugby is a format traditionally played by players 35+ years or older. It is a social form of contact Rugby for those who maybe cannot train or play as hard as they used to!
Masters is centred around the core values and traditions of contact Rugby, often pitting old friends and foes against each other. Many Masters teams tour both nationally and internationally, making bonds that last a lifetime across generations.
Masters allows both seasoned players and newbies an opportunity to bond over fond memories while playing the sport they love most.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN RUGBY?
Whether you or your children want to play, Coach, Officiate, or support – BC Rugby is here to find the right Rugby for you.
Rugby isn’t just about playing – our volunteers and supporters are the backbone of BC Rugby and the game would not survive without them.
Click on the sections below to learn more about how you can get involved in Rugby in BC:
WHY DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR RUGBY IN CANADA?
In order to play Rugby in Canada, you need to be registered. Registration is important – if you are not registered, you don’t have insurance.
Once you are a registered Member, you become insured and covered under Rugby Canada’s Insurance Policy for the season. This includes Sports Liability Insurance, Sport Accident Insurance, Provincial Excess Medical Coverage, and Travel Coverage while on sanctioned Tours.
To access insurance, every individual must register for Membership with a Club. Insurance is valid starting from August 1st of a new season and is activated from the Member’s date of purchase and expires on August 31st of the following year. As a Member, if you have multiple roles with your club (player, Coach, manager, etc.), you must be registered in all these categories to be insured for those activities.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR RUGBY IN BC?
BC Rugby Membership is available to any resident of BC. Register as a player, Coach, Official, volunteer, medical staff, or supporter to become a Member.
Through Membership, we continue to grow, develop, and manage Rugby by offering programs for all ages and skill levels (recreational to High-Performance), educational opportunities and access to exclusive benefits and services.
You can register as a New Member or Returning Member – follow the relevant steps below:
New Members
BC Rugby offers a place for everyone to get involved. Whether you play, coach, or just love the Club atmosphere on game days, there are endless ways for you to join the game. To get started, register with BC Rugby or with one of our Member Clubs.
Step 1: Click the ‘Register’ button below.
Step 2: Select BC Rugby as your province.
Step 3: All Sanctioned BC Rugby Member Clubs will then appear in a list. Click on the Club that is best for you.
Step 4: All Membership options for that Club will appear underneath – select the option best for you.
Step 5: Click ‘Register’ and follow the steps to create a SportLomo account. You will then be able to complete your Registration!
Returning Members
If you participated in the previous season as a player, coach, official, or volunteer, log in to your SportLomo account to renew your Membership for the new season.
If you are unsure whether you have an account, contact the BC Rugby Office to avoid duplicate profiles in the system.
HOW MUCH DOES RUGBY COST IN BC?
Because Rugby is played year-round in BC, it provides excellent value for money.
Our registration season is between August 1 and August 31 the following year – 13 months – so we encourage you to sign-up as early as possible to get the best value for your money! Registration is only activated on the date you sign-up.
Registration costs vary throughout BC, depending on what programs our Member Clubs offer. Mini and Age-Grade Rugby ranges between $135-$250. Senior prices range around $300-$435 depending on the Club, while Masters registration starts as little as $85.
Compared to other team sports such as hockey and soccer, Rugby can offer a longer registration period at a fraction of the cost!
WHERE CAN I FIND A CLUB?
Did you know there are over 60 Rugby clubs spread across British Columbia?
To find a club, use our Find A Club tool.
Click on the Club logo to learn more, including the Club’s contact information, core values and where you can follow them on social media!
Alternatively, you can use the below map to locate a Club! We can’t wait to see you on the pitch!
BC Rugby
A: 2015 Main Street, Vancouver, BC | V5T 0J8
T: 604.737.3065
E: info@bcrugby.com
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
