What is the process for playing up, playing down or combining age grades?

Question

Accepted Answer

Playing out of age grade (POOAG) is the exception under RFU Regulation 15 and must be approved before the player plays.

Boys (single age grades)

Age grade	Combining (only if not enough players for a team)	Playing up
Under 13	with Under 12 or Under 14 (max 4 Under 14s on the pitch)	one age grade
Under 14	with Under 13 or Under 15 (max 5 Under 15s on the pitch)	one age grade
Under 15	with Under 14 or Under 16 (max 5 Under 16s on the pitch)	one age grade
Under 16	with Under 15 or Under 17 (max 5 Under 17s on the pitch)	one grade (front row allowed) or two grades (not in the front row of contested 15-a-side scrums)
Under 17	with Under 16; can play with Under 18s	from 17 into adult rugby, under Regulation 15.7

Girls play in two-year bands (Under 14/13, Under 16/15, Under 18/17) and can't play up outside their band; Under 18/17 players can move into adult rugby at 17.

Playing down (any age) is only for limited, exceptional cases: the player is in a younger school year than their birth year, or their safety may be compromised by small stature or a developmental or behavioural issue. The approval lasts the whole season in every setting. Playing down two age grades also needs the RFU Legal & Governance Director's written approval.