What Is Rugby?
RUGBY BASICS
Rugby is a game played all around the world, and one that has been played in BC for well over 100 years! It is a sport for all ages, genders, shapes and sizes, and backgrounds.
The objective of Rugby is simple: two teams play against each other and try to score points by carrying the ball over the opposition’s goal (try) line. Additional points can be scored by kicking the ball through the goal posts at your opponent’s end of the Rugby field. The team with the most points is declared the winner. If the points tallies are equal, then a game is tied.
In order to move forwards on a Rugby pitch, a team must pass the ball backwards (although the ball can be kicked forwards). Therefore, the focus is on teamwork and working together.
Joining a Rugby community is a great way to meet new people and get active! There are formats to suit all budgets and people – whether you are a newbie, a veteran, a serious athlete or just want to play for fun! Learn more from the sport’s world governing body World Rugby on:
IS RUGBY SAFE?
In Rugby, safety and player welfare is the most important thing. Rugby is a physical but safe contact sport but, like most sports and recreational activities, it comes with some risk of injury.
We want you to have a safe and positive experience. BC Rugby is committed to treating all individuals with respect and consideration, and providing an organisation, community and environment that is welcoming, safe, and supportive for everyone to enjoy Rugby. This is embedded in our Code of Conduct.
Learn more about Player Welfare in Rugby by visiting our Safe Sport section.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RUGBY?
There are several types of Rugby to suit all individuals. Use the toggle menu below to learn more about the different types of Rugby:
Rugby XVs: "Traditional" Rugby
Rugby 15s, or XVs as it is also known, is the traditional full-contact and most common form of Rugby and relies on tactics as well as athleticism and physicality.
Each team has 15 players in dedicated positions with specific roles. Eight positions are known as ‘Forwards’ and correspond with shirt numbers 1-8. The remaining seven positions are ‘Backs’ and wear shirt numbers 9-15.
The 15s format is suited to people of all shapes and sizes, with specialist positions suiting certain athletic profiles. Forwards are the ball-winners, while backs are considered creative players who find and make space.
The 15s format includes set pieces such as the scrum and lineout. These are used after the ball is knocked out of play (‘into touch’) or when an infringement occurs.
Rugby 7s: Fast, fun and exciting!
Rugby 7s has grown in popularity over the past few decades, both at grass roots and professional levels. Rugby 7s is now recognised as an Olympic sport and made its debut at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Canada Women's 7s team has won both bronze and silver at Olympic level!
British Columbia hosts a leg of the exciting HSBC SVNS World Series at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, which attracts thousands of Rugby fans from different nations and cultures.
Rugby 7s is a contact form of the sport. Each team only has 7 players on the pitch at any time. It can be played on a full or half-size Rugby field. With fewer players on each team, the focus is on speed, skill, passing and fitness. It brings together the basic skills of Rugby: running, passing, tackling and good decision making. Rugby 7s is incredibly exciting and entertaining to watch – but even more fun to play!
BC is home to two of Canada's largest most exciting youth Rugby 7s tournaments - the Vancouver Sevens Invitational (VSI) and Kamloops 7s.
Touch Rugby: Perfect for Newbies!
Touch Rugby is a fast, fun and safe non-contact variation of Rugby 7s. Touch Rugby is for everyone, no matter their age, skill level, ability or previous experience! It is the ideal format for anyone interested in learning the basics of the game. Plus, it is also a super sociable sport and a great way to meet new friends or work colleagues!
Touch Rugby is a coed game where everyone gets involved. Using the same ball but smaller teams and playing areas, the aim is to use teamwork, pace and cunning to outfox and outscore your opponents!
Touch Rugby is played mostly throughout the summer months in BC, with many Clubs running Touch Rugby programming.
Masters Rugby: You're never too old!
Masters Rugby is a format traditionally played by players 35+ years or older. It is a social form of contact Rugby for those who maybe cannot train or play as hard as they used to!
Masters is centred around the core values and traditions of contact Rugby, often pitting old friends and foes against each other. Many Masters teams tour both nationally and internationally, making bonds that last a lifetime across generations.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN RUGBY?
Play
Coach
Officiate
Support
Play
Rugby is an inclusive and safe sport to play. Visit this page to register with BC Rugby, Find a Club, and learn more about athlete resources.
Coach
Becoming a Rugby coach one of the most rewarding roles in the sport. Learn how to become the heart and soul of a team and provide guidance both on and off the field.
Officiate
Becoming an Official is a great way to get involved in Rugby. Learn how to become a qualified Rugby official and inspire the next generation of Rugby stars.
Support & sponsor
Rugby in BC relies on generous donations, sponsorship and volunteer work. Learn how you can get involved or give back to the community.
WHY DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR RUGBY IN CANADA?
In order to play Rugby in Canada, you need to be registered. Registration is important – if you are not registered, you don’t have insurance.
Once you are a registered Member, you become insured and covered under Rugby Canada’s Insurance Policy for the season. This includes Sports Liability Insurance, Sport Accident Insurance, Provincial Excess Medical Coverage, and Travel Coverage while on sanctioned Tours.
To access insurance, every individual must register for Membership with a Club or Affiliate Member. As a Member, if you have multiple roles with your club (player, Coach, Manager, etc.), you must be registered in all these categories to be insured for those activities.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR RUGBY IN BC?
New Members
BC Rugby offers a place for everyone to get involved. Whether you play, coach, or just love the Club atmosphere on game days, there are endless ways for you to join the game. To get started, register with BC Rugby or with one of our Member Clubs.
Step 1: Visit the Rugby Canada Club listing page and click search for a member club.
Step 2: Select one of the BC Rugby sanctioned Clubs that is right for you. View a map of all our Clubs below.
Step 3: You will be directed to all the Membership Options the club offers. Select the one that’s right for you.
Step 4: Register and follow the steps to create a PlayHQ account
Step 5: You have completed your registration!
Need more assistance? Follow the Beginning your Registration guide from PlayHQ.
Returning Members
If you have been a Member in previous years as an athlete, coach, official or volunteer – register directly with your Club on their PlayHQ Registration Page.
HOW MUCH DOES RUGBY COST IN BC?
Because Rugby is played year-round in BC, it provides excellent value for money.
Registration costs vary throughout BC, depending on what programs our Member Clubs offer. However, compared to other team sports such as hockey and soccer, Rugby can offer a longer registration period at a fraction of the cost!
For every individual Membership, Rugby Canada and BC Rugby receives Membership Dues - you can view the Dues breakdown here.
WHERE CAN I FIND A CLUB?
Find your new Club by using the Search function below or our Interactive Map! Click on the icons to find out more about each BC Rugby Club.
BUY TICKETS NOW!
2026 BC RUGBY SENIOR CLUB FINALS MAY 9 SOUTH SURREY ATHLETIC PARK
South Coast Senior League
Round 5 match summary
Figtree Kangaroos 10. 10. 70 defeated Helensburgh Tigers 10. 9. 69
A thrilling encounter saw the Roos come from behind to secure a crucial 1 point victory. Down by 12 points at halftime, captain Jake Morrison sparked the comeback with a brilliant individual goal in the late in the 3rd quarter. Young gun winger Tommy Chen sealed the win with a spectacular off-the-ground finish in the dying minutes. The defensive effort from Mike Stevens and Danny Walsh was outstanding, making crucial tackles when it mattered most.
Best Players: J. Morrison (c), T. Chen, M. Stevens, D. Walsh, S. Parker
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Contact us
Any questions about the club can be directed to the following committee members who will be able to assist you with any enquiries.
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