Rugby is an extremely rewarding sport

Whether you are a player, coach, referee, administrator or volunteer. This is how you can get involved.

As a Player

Whatever your age or stage, Auckland Rugby can provide a team for you. 

Junior Clubs provide teams for boys and girls aged between 4 and 13 years old. There are tackle and Rippa (non-contact) grades as well as weight-restricted teams for all age-groups.

See the Junior Age Grade Chart HERE

If you are at Secondary School, schools have open and restricted weight grades for boys in all age groups as well as teams for girls. If your school doesn’t have a team for you and you are over 16 years old you can play Senior rugby.  

Once you have left school our Senior clubs offer a variety of age, weight and ability based teams as well as Women’s teams 

If you are looking to play somewhere close to school, home or the office check out the Club Directory map and filter by a specific region. You can also filter clubs by the grades they cater for, so whether you're an Under-85kg, women's, social or Premier grade player, you'll find the club that best suits you.

Click below to register now! More information can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page, but if you have any other questions about playing rugby, particularly if you are new to the Auckland rugby scene, contact:

Junior Rugby - joe.blundell@aucklandrugby.co.nz

Secondary Schools Rugby – jarrod.syman@aucklandrugby.co.nz

​​​​​​​Senior Rugby - joe.blundell@aucklandrugby.co.nz

As a Coach

Giving back to the game as a coach is always a rewarding experience. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t coached before; Auckland Rugby offers a range of courses to get you up to speed for whatever grade you want to coach. 

For more information about courses visit the coaching page, or contact Community Rugby Manager: Joe Blundell

E:  joe.blundell@aucklandrugby.co.nz

As a Referee

Referees are a vital part of the game, without them, we wouldn’t be able to play. And as they say, you get the best seat in the house from the middle of the park! 

For more information about becoming a referee check out our referee page, visit the Auckland Rugby Referees Association website or contact Match Officials Manager: Cody Neilson
E: cody.neilson@aucklandrugby.co.nz

As an Administrator/Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of our rugby community and as a union we absolutely appreciate their efforts and do what we can to support them. Every club relies on the helpers behind the scenes to keep their club ticking along.

If you are not affiliated with a club, go to the Club Directory map to find a club which is close to where you work or live. From there you will find a list of contacts, so give the secretary or club manager a call and offer a helping hand.

If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Club Rugby Manager, Joe Blundell

E: joe.blundell@aucklandrugby.co.nz

 FAQs 

When are games played?

Games are played on a Saturday afternoon and depending on what grade you are in, games kick off at either 1.00pm or 2.45pm. Some clubs also play games on a Friday night.

What are the grades?

• Premier – For players of any age and weight - the best team in a club. 
• Premier Reserves – the next best team in a club.
• First Grade – for players of any age and weight. 
• Under 22 – for players Under 22 years old (at the 1st of January) and can be any weight.
• Under 85kgs
• Under 20 - for players Under 20 years old (at the 1st of January) and can be any weight.
• Under 85 Restricted – for players any age but are under 85kgs
• Presidents – for players 35 years and older. Serious on the field, social off it.
• Women’s – for female players of any age and weight.

How old do you have to be to play presidents?

35 years or older.

When does the season start and how long does it continue?

Most grades begin official competition in April, and play through to August.

When will preseason begin?

Each club and team will vary, but most premier teams will begin training at the end of the year. Pre-season games for all grades would be played in March. For specific dates, contact your local club.

How much travel is involved?

All senior men’s competitions in Auckland are exclusive to clubs within the union so you should not be expected to travel outside of Auckland.

What gear do I need?

Most clubs will supply you with a playing jersey, and you will either need to buy, or might be given the club socks and shorts. It is compulsory to wear a mouth guard and boots in games.

If I want to play in Under 85 kg grade, do I need to stay under 85 kg the whole season?

Yes you do, players in the Under 85kg grade are weighed before every game.

What representative teams are there?

If you play club rugby in Auckland you are eligible for selection in the following teams: Auckland Mitre 10 Cup, Auckland Bs, Auckland Colts, Auckland Under 19s and Under 85kg.

Is there are sevens competition?

A lot of Auckland clubs have a sevens programme over the summer months. Auckland hosts an annual Club Sevens Tournament every November and several clubs will host their own tournaments. Contact clubs to learn more about their specific Sevens programmes.

Is there sometimes cancellations and field changes?

Due to wet winter weather we often find that several grounds will be closed at certain times throughout the season. It is rare to have cancellations at senior grades but it does happen from time to time.

For the most up to date information check your draw on the Auckland Rugby website. For information on cancellations you can also call (09) 815 4828.

Where is my nearest club?

View our club directory to find a club near you.

Go to club directory >>