Rugby

During the Autumn Term, all boys play rugby.

Our youngest pupils are introduced to the game through a gradual process and, as the boys move up the school, they are introduced to more elements of the game and learn to master ever more technical skills. 

The school follows the SRU Age Grade Law Variations and all coaches complete annual SRU training in coaching and safety.

At under 9 the emphasis is on participation, safety and learning the basic skills involved in rugby such as: running, catching and passing. The boys at this age enjoy numerous matches but these are used as coaching tools.

Our under 11 boys are introduced to a fuller version of the game, including tackling, scrums and rucking while developing the skills they have learned previously. Positions are introduced at this level but certainly not set.

By the time the boys reach senior level in the school, they play 13-a-side rugby and are introduced to lineouts and competitive scrums; this is a natural progression and allows the boys to get a feel for the adult game.

All age groups play numerous fixtures in the term and each boy will usually enjoy at least two matches a season. There are representative opportunities for the most able players at Thistles level and at Scottish Prep School level. The U11 and U13 boys also participate in seven-a-side tournaments where they have a proud record of achievement in recent years.

For all ages, sizes and abilities, the emphasis during the rugby term is on enjoyment, safety and respect. We believe that the risk of injury is minimised through rigorous coaching and outweighed by the lessons learned on the rugby pitch. Belhaven Hill is proud to contribute to the excellent standard of rugby played on the prep school circuit. A good proportion of our pupils go on to enjoy rugby at a high level in their senior schools and beyond.