WEATHER UPDATE: JUNIOR RUGBY CANCELLED – LIMITED GAMES PROCEEDING (5 & 6 JUNE)

With the challenging weather - rain, wind and colder temperatures - we’ve made the tough call to cancel all junior rugby this evening and tomorrow. The only games proceeding are Year 7 and 8 Tackle in the Wellington region (City, Hutt Valley and Tawa/Porirua).

We’re also mindful of ground conditions and the pressure on fields, and want to protect them for the weeks ahead. With 10 weeks of junior rugby still to go, there is plenty of season left.

As always, we encourage everyone to make the best decisions for your teams based on local conditions at game time.

Thanks everyone - stay warm and dry!

2026 NZ Rugby Junior Rugby Guidelines

New Zealand Rugby’s new Junior Rugby Guidelines reshape the game around what tamariki need to grow, learn and thrive. Moving beyond the old “Small Blacks” model, the updated framework introduces a player‑focused approach that prioritises safety, fun and development at the right pace.
 

Built on four core principles - Start Wide to Grow Strong, Let the Game Teach, Match the Challenge to the Child, and Progress with Purpose. The guidelines ensure kids experience rugby that fits their stage of growth, not the other way around.
 

With right‑sized fields, simplified game formats and a staged introduction of contact and set piece, Junior Rugby supports confidence, skill development and lifelong enjoyment of the game. This is a pathway designed to keep young people active, included and excited to play.
 

If you have any questions, these can be directed to Lucy Barry, WRFU Community Activator - Junior: [email protected].