Rippa Rugby in New Zealand Parent Guide 2026

Mike Wood · 22 February, 2026

Rippa Rugby is one of the most popular junior team sports in New Zealand. If your child is starting primary school rugby in 2026, chances are they’ll begin with Rippa Rugby, also known as Tag Rugby or RipRugby.

It’s non-contact, fast, and built around skill development. For many Kiwi kids, it’s their first introduction to rugby union or rugby league in a safe and structured environment.

Importantly, Rippa Rugby is just as popular with girls as it is with boys. Across NZ, you’ll see:

Mixed teams, especially in younger age groups
Girls-only teams in some clubs
Dedicated girls’ competitions in certain regions

For most primary school grades, mixed teams are completely normal and widely accepted. It’s inclusive, welcoming, and focused on participation.

At Players Sports, we regularly help parents who are researching Rippa Rugby for the first time. Below is a clear overview of how it works in NZ and what gear your child may need to get started.

What Is Rippa Rugby?

Rippa Rugby is a non-contact version of rugby designed primarily for primary school-aged children.

Instead of tackling, defenders remove a Velcro tag from the ball carrier’s belt. When a tag is pulled, the player must pass the ball.

Key points:

No tackling
No scrums
No rucks or mauls
Focus on running, passing, and support play

In New Zealand, Rippa Rugby is commonly run through local rugby clubs and school competitions under the umbrella of New Zealand Rugby.

It’s designed to teach:

Spatial awareness
Ball handling skills
Teamwork
Game understanding

Because there is no contact, it removes many of the concussion concerns sometimes associated with tackle rugby or rugby league. For parents who may feel hesitant about traditional rugby, Rippa provides a comfortable starting point.

Is Rippa Rugby Safe for Kids?

Yes. Rippa Rugby is non-contact by design.

There is:

No tackling
No physical collisions
No breakdown contests

While any running sport carries minor risk of trips or falls, the format is structured to significantly reduce injury risk compared to tackle rugby.

For many families in Auckland and across New Zealand, it offers a way for kids to experience rugby culture without the physical demands of contact play.

Is Rippa Rugby Suitable for Girls?

Absolutely. Rippa Rugby is equally suited to girls and boys.

At junior level in NZ:

Many teams are mixed
Some clubs offer girls-only teams
Participation from girls continues to grow each year

The non-contact format makes it accessible and welcoming. It allows girls to build core rugby skills in a supportive environment, whether they plan to move into tackle rugby later or simply enjoy playing socially.

We’ve seen strong growth in girls’ rugby participation across Auckland clubs, particularly at Rippa level.

How Does a Rippa Rugby Game Work?

While rules can vary slightly between clubs and regions in New Zealand, the typical Rippa Rugby format includes:

5 to 7 players per team
Two Velcro tags attached to each player’s belt
A set number of “rips” before turnover
Continuous play with quick restarts
Two halves of around 15 to 20 minutes
A short halftime break of approximately five minutes

When a defender pulls a tag:

The defender calls “Rip!”
The ball carrier must stop and pass the ball.
The defender returns the tag before rejoining play.

Because there are no tackles or breakdowns, the game flows quickly. It encourages teamwork, support running, and passing rather than individual play, which is exactly what junior rugby in NZ is designed to develop at this age.

What Age Is Rippa Rugby For in NZ?

In New Zealand, Rippa Rugby is generally played from:

Year 1 through Year 6 (ages approximately 5-11)

Most children transition to tackle rugby around Year 7, depending on the club structure and parental choice.

Rippa builds the skills required for both rugby union and rugby league. Many young players who later move into contact rugby benefit from having first learned passing, positioning, and defensive alignment in Rippa.

What Gear Does My Child Need for Rippa Rugby?

One of the reasons Rippa Rugby is popular is the low equipment requirement.

Here’s what you typically need in NZ for the 2026 season.

1. Tag Belt

Every player wears a tag belt with two Velcro strips attached.

If you need a belt, you can explore our full range of Tag Rugby belts available in NZ here.

Most junior clubs either supply belts on game day or require players to purchase their own. It’s worth checking with your local club first.

Fit tip: The belt should sit snug around the waist without slipping when running.

2. Junior Rugby Boots

Boots are not always compulsory in younger age groups, but they are strongly recommended once children are playing on grass fields.

In NZ conditions, especially through winter:

Firm ground moulded studs are common
Lightweight junior rugby boots are ideal
Good heel support matters for stability

You can explore our full range of kids rugby boots in New Zealand here.

When choosing boots, we recommend:

Allowing 5-10mm of toe room
Wearing rugby socks when fitting
Checking stud type matches your field conditions

At our Players Sports Greenlane flagship store in Auckland, we regularly fit junior boots and can guide parents through sizing for both girls and boys.

3. Mouthguard

Even though Rippa Rugby is non-contact, most junior clubs in New Zealand make mouthguards compulsory. It’s a good habit for kids to form early, particularly if they are likely to move into tackle rugby later where mouthguards are mandatory.

You can view our full range of rugby mouthguards available NZ-wide here.

At Rippa level, a standard boil-and-bite mouthguard is usually more than sufficient. The key is getting a snug, comfortable fit so your child actually wants to wear it.

4. Other Optional Gear

Depending on the club:

Rugby socks
Rugby shorts
A team jersey is usually supplied by the club
Headgear, which is optional and not typically required

Shoulder pads are not necessary.

Does Rippa Rugby Help If My Child Wants to Play Tackle Rugby Later?

Yes. Rippa Rugby builds strong foundational skills.

Children develop:

Passing accuracy
Defensive spacing
Communication
Running lines
Game awareness

Because the format encourages ball movement, players often develop better distribution skills before transitioning to contact formats.

We’ve seen many Auckland juniors move confidently into tackle rugby or rugby league after several seasons of Rippa.

Who Is Rippa Rugby Best Suited For?

Rippa Rugby is ideal for:

Girls and boys new to organised sport
Kids who enjoy running games
Parents wanting a non-contact introduction to rugby
Primary school teams building confidence and coordination

It provides an inclusive starting point regardless of gender or prior experience.

Final Thoughts for NZ Parents

Rippa Rugby remains one of the best entry points into organised sport for Kiwi kids.

It’s safe.
It builds skills.
It’s inclusive for girls and boys.

If your child is starting Rippa Rugby in 2026, we’re here to help with the right gear and practical advice.

Visit our Players Sports Greenlane flagship store in Auckland if you’d like help with junior rugby boots or mouthguards, or explore the full range online with fast NZ-wide shipping.

We’re proud to support junior rugby across New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rippa Rugby contact or tackle rugby?

No, Rippa Rugby is non-contact. Instead of tackling, defenders remove a Velcro tag from the ball carrier’s belt. This significantly reduces injury risk compared to tackle rugby.

Can girls play Rippa Rugby in NZ?

Yes. Rippa Rugby is widely played by girls across New Zealand. Many younger teams are mixed, and some clubs offer girls-only teams or competitions.

Do kids need rugby boots for Rippa Rugby in NZ?

Rugby boots are recommended but not always compulsory in younger age groups. On wet NZ winter fields, moulded junior rugby boots provide better grip and stability than sneakers.

Do children need a mouthguard for Rippa Rugby?

While Rippa Rugby is non-contact, most clubs in New Zealand still make mouthguards compulsory. It helps children get used to wearing one early, especially if they plan to move into tackle rugby in later years where mouthguards are mandatory. It’s always best to confirm with your local club, but in most cases, you should expect one to be required.

What age do kids move from Rippa to tackle rugby?

In New Zealand, most children transition to tackle rugby around Year 7. This can vary slightly by region and club structure.

Is Rippa Rugby the same as Tag Rugby?

In NZ, Rippa Rugby and Tag Rugby are often used interchangeably at junior level. Both involve pulling a tag instead of tackling.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand

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