Rugby: young

Simon My son's PE teacher has told him that Bridging is lieegal for the U13 to U19 group. His Club coach has been encouraging its use in games for two seasons. I can see some of the dangers but also the advantages Who is right is it banned or can it be used? Paul submitted by email

I am currently involved in coaching very young players - Under 7's. What is the best DVD developed specifically for introduction of youngsters to the game? BR

There is no doubt that the top players in the world have all been exposed to the top coaching that the world can offer. So why is it that when I watch international matches I am forever seeing players pass the ball behind the shoulder of the receiving player, or stood still waiting to receive a pass, or having to jump up in the air to catch the ball before they can set off on their run ? If the U11's that I coach did those things then I would be 'tutting' into my cocoa, cos mostly they don't ! ..........or am i alone in my analysis?

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My son has played all season U9's on the wing and has now be brought into a inside centre role. What are the key differences he needs to make to be successful in his new position

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes%3A All - just a quick straw poll%3A Have any CLUBS that you are aware of officially come out in SUPPORT of these changes? If not, have they come out officially rejecting the proposed changes, or are they adopting a "wait and see" attitude? Regards Stephe

At a recent u12's match, the home ref, who is also a L2 coach penalized the hooker for foul play. At the end of the match at the debrief, the ref said to the hooker in front of his peers that he would have sent him off if there had been any subs. Is this against the guidelines of the child protection and did he dip out of his duties as a ref. What are your thoughts? Gary SWales

Hi,i coach under 12 and both the hookers struggle to get the ball past the 2nd player, does anyone know of any drill that could help them to improve their distance.<br />Cheers<br /><br />AB

Tackling and Passing to help them out

Hi could you please cancel my subscription as have now finished coaching after 40 years it's time for young ones to take over. Thank you for the help as your web site has help many children and adults over the years that I have been a member. As soon as possible as I am due to pay my next half yearly payment thanks again🥰

Hi,I'm looking for some resources for drills/activities for oztag. Young people ages 6-14.

part of a under 14 coaching team. we're really struggling to get our forwards to produce any intensity at the breakdown. constantly being rucked of the ball. technically they know what to do just don't bring the right attitute come game day. any thoughts on developing. more competative mind set.

I have started an under 10s team up, and I would say about 8 from the 13 children I have , did not play rugby until about 6 months ago. Of these players, there seems to be a lot of potential, as we are scoring tries against teams, that very rarely concede tries.the problem I got with them, is that we are very poor at organising our selves in defense when the opposition has the ball, which does result in us conceding quite a few tries. We have some very good tacklers in the team. Can anyone offer some ideas on how I can get them to organise themselves? Thanks . Chris.

I coach under 8's and next season they will start contact. When am I allowed to start teaching them tackling skills? I sit january during their under 8 season or at the start of the under 9 season ?

I coach under 9`s rugby and a lot of the kids have a bad fear of tackling, they lack the confidence to get stuck in. What is the best thing to help them overcome this?

Some of my U9s players, who are experiencing contact for their first season, are showing reticence in tackling - how do you coach or get through the fear factor/element?

im coaching the under 6's how do i keep them interested in the game

Hi, I am a coach for the under 13’s at our club. Recently during one of our meetings I raised a concern about the possibility of players playing in full contact games, drills and training. I and my fellow coaches appear to disagree on whether a young player can still take part in full contact drills, training or game if he does not have his mouth guard with him. I’m informed that the club’s guidelines are that if his/her parent is present and gives permission or there is a letter stating that it is ok for that player to play without his/her mouth guard then we as club and coaches are able to play that player. I know that the RFU have also provided a guideline that mouth guards are recommended at all times but the position I am taking is that we, as club and as individuals, have a duty of care and if we knowingly allow anybody to play without the correct protection and an injury occurs we may be likely to be found guilty of negligence even if we have that prior permission. I do not believe that a letter or verbal permission abrogates us from our responsibility of caring for our players…especially the young. Maybe I am reading too much into this but the Health and Safety Act is an enabling act (possibly doesn’t cover sport- not sure about that) where the responsibility of safety is inherent in everybody not just nominated persons and with the litigation climate in this country becoming more like the USA I would hate for one of our parents to get "legal" if one of their little dears gets injured. Dentistry is not cheap. My approach is if the player does not have their gumshields then they cannot take part in any contact . Period…just in case. Do we have anybody who could clarify this point. Kind regards David

I am coaching under 13 b side and i am trying to find some drills to pump the team up during training Any Suggestios

How can I overcome my son's fear of tackling. He's 10 and shaping up to be a useful player in other areas but is very reluctant to engage other players in contact. What drills might help overcome this?