Getting local kids into rugby.
Canterbury Get Into Rugby brings around nine primary schools from the streets around Wills Ground together for a term of Tri-Tag 7s — the fast, non-contact version of rugby that lets kids who have never played get straight into the game.
It runs during school hours as part of Friday PSSA sport, so students are covered by their school’s sport insurance and teachers come along as they would to any carnival. The club provides a bus to and from Wills Ground, so schools without their own sports facilities can take part easily.
The program is funded by Canterbury Rugby Union Club and delivered with NSW Rugby, whose development officers bring coaching, school engagement and a development block that builds skills towards contact rugby.
At A Glance
How it works.
Tri-Tag 7s
Friday Tri-Tag games at Wills Ground with a sevens-festival feel — a jumping castle, face painting and fancy dress for brothers and sisters who come to watch. No experience needed, and small schools can combine into one team.
Development
NSW Rugby development officers run skills sessions that build confidence towards contact rugby — passing, catching, safe tackling and the breakdown — at a pace that suits each child.
Come And Try
Every student who took part is invited to a Tri-Tag and come-and-try day at the club as the 2027 season kicks off, with an easy path into Canterbury Juniors for those who want to keep playing.
Good for schools, too.
Each participating school’s P&F receives $1,000–$1,500 for taking part — provided as something the school can use, like sports or computer equipment or repairs, rather than cash. That’s a lot of sausage sandwiches and raffle tickets the P&F doesn’t have to sell.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup coming to Australia, there’s never been a better time for kids to give rugby a go.
NSW Rugby
Delivered inpartnership
Canterbury × NSW Rugby
Get Into Rugby is a joint program. Canterbury Rugby Union Club hosts and funds it at Wills Ground, and NSW Rugby brings:
- Development officers and coaching on game days
- School engagement through the Sydney East PSSA network
- Program flyers and promotion to local schools
- The three-week development block towards contact rugby
Dates
Term 1 2027, on Friday PSSA sport. Exact dates will be confirmed with participating schools — if your school would like to take part, block out Term 1 Fridays now.