This Policy covers all players under
18. However, in accordance with RFU
Regulation 15, a male player can, with
the neccessary written consent, play
in the adult game when he reaches
his 17th birthday, although not
play in a front row position until his
18th birthday. The only exception is
players within the Elite England Rugby
performance pathway, whose playing
development is managed through the
England National Academy.

A club’s management team must
have assessed and continue to
assess, that any 17 year old player
playing in adult games or training
is both physically, emotionally and
intellectually capable of taking part.

Those responsible for the management
of adult teams which include 17 year
olds, must at all times be mindful of
their safety and wellbeing and ensure
that a suitable adult from within the
team and management acts as a
mentor or buddy.

If a 17 year old is playing rugby under
Regulation 15.1.4.4, while playing or
training with the adults he is treated
as an adult and the detail of this
policy does not apply.

However, as soon as he is out of that
environment the player is once again
a child and thus the policies and
legislation regarding children apply.

This section does not apply to the
women’s game where female players
may only play in the adult game from
their 18th birthday