At what age can my child start tackling?
Rule- South Africa
- SA Rugby
- Mini rugby
- U7-U12
- Primary school rugby
- World Rugby laws
- 2026
- Parents
Not before U9. Since the 2026 season, SA Rugby's National Tackle Age Framework has been compulsory for all schools, clubs, unaffiliated rugby organisations and amateur bodies:
| Age group | Format |
|---|---|
| U7 and younger | Tag Rugby (non-contact) |
| U8 | SA U8 T1 Rugby (non-contact) |
| U9 | Tackle rugby begins, after a structured contact-readiness programme |
SA Rugby's guiding rule: a child aged eight or younger may play only non-contact rugby.
Added 21 Oct 2026