Grammar Juniors Rugby Club, at 32B Shore Road in Remuera, Auckland, runs rugby for children from pre-school up to Under 13, for both boys and girls. It offers both Rippa rugby and tackle rugby. Most teams are weight-restricted, and the club says it will set up open-weight grades if there is enough interest. Each team needs a coach or co-coaches, a manager and a referee. Managers use a club database to email their teams, and they keep a record of scores, tries and team attitude that feeds into player-of-the-day picks and end-of-year awards.
The club day in early April is the first chance for families to meet the coaches and teams. It has friendly games against other Grammar Juniors teams, a sausage sizzle and a bouncy castle. Teams are given a gear bag with jerseys, a first aid kit, balls and training equipment.
Training times are shared between teams, because there is one fully lit field. Game times and field closures are posted on the Auckland Rugby and Auckland Council websites. The club also offers a travel rebate for teams that travel to Waiheke Island for a game.
Our pick in Remuera for a young player who wants both Rippa and tackle rugby in one club.