What is T1 Rugby?

World Rugby has launched T1 Rugby, the world’s first non-contact sport designed to embody the essence of traditional rugby while promoting fun, fitness, and inclusion. This innovative format aims to make rugby accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, and is set to revolutionize the way the sport is played and enjoyed.

A New Era for Rugby Participation

T1 Rugby combines the spirit of rugby union with a simplified, non-contact format that mirrors key elements of the traditional game. This includes iconic features such as scrums, lineouts, kicking, and breakdowns, making it a unique offering in the sports landscape. Importantly, it preserves the strategic decision-making and dynamic interplay of attack and defense, ensuring a true rugby experience in a safe and welcoming environment.

Launching globally from the 2024/2025 season, T1 Rugby will initially be introduced in schools and clubs across England, replacing the existing Touch Union initiative. It is endorsed by England Rugby as the official non-contact format of the sport.

The Key Features of T1 Rugby

T1 Rugby stands out for its versatility and inclusivity, allowing players to adapt the game to suit their pace, space, and needs.

• Whatever Your Pace: Whether you prefer running, walking, or tag-style play, T1 Rugby offers flexibility for all fitness levels.
• Whatever Your Space: It caters to various formats, including adult social, mixed social, and age-grade matches, making it perfect for a wide range of groups and settings.

The emphasis on fun, fitness, and time efficiency makes T1 Rugby a game for everyone. It is designed to foster social connections and provide an accessible introduction to rugby’s core principles, encouraging greater participation and engagement in the sport.

Rules: Game Format & Implementation

T1 Rugby combines the essence of rugby with a simplified, non-contact format, ensuring inclusivity and ease of play. Here’s a breakdown of how the game works:

The Basics

• Team Size: Seven players per side, with rolling, unlimited substitutions.
• Pitch Size: Played on half a standard rugby pitch.
• Scoring: Teams have seven touches to score a try.
• Match Duration: Games are 20 minutes long, divided into two 10-minute halves.

What’s New?

• Kicking: Allowed in open play and for restarting the game, adding strategic depth.
• Non-Contact Breakdown: A formation involving five players—three from the defending team and two from the attacking team—replacing traditional rucks.
• Scrums: Consist of three players per side, with no engagement, push, or contest, ensuring safety.
• Lineouts: Include three players per team, without lifting or contesting.

Adaptations for Flexibility

• Pace Options: Can be played at running or walking speed, with or without tags.
• Inclusivity: Supports mixed-gender and mixed-age play, as long as all RFU regulations are adhered to.
• Customizable Play: Pitch size, team size, and match length can be adjusted to suit the group’s needs, and elements like kicking can be removed if preferred.

This adaptable approach ensures T1 Rugby is accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and abilities, while still reflecting the unique characteristics of rugby.

A Global Vision for Inclusion

T1 Rugby aligns with World Rugby’s mission to create a sport that transcends boundaries and unites people of all demographics. By offering a safe and enjoyable way to experience rugby, it opens the doors to new players and fans, breaking down barriers and enriching communities worldwide.

Why Choose T1 Rugby?

The appeal of T1 Rugby lies in its adaptability and simplicity. It’s a sport that anyone can play, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or trying rugby for the first time. With no physical contact, it minimizes the risk of injury, making it a particularly attractive option for families, schools, and community groups.

T1 Rugby also encourages a healthy lifestyle by combining fitness with fun, helping participants stay active while enjoying the camaraderie that rugby fosters.

T1 Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a movement aimed at growing rugby’s global appeal and accessibility. By staying true to the sport’s core characteristics while removing the physical barriers of contact play, T1 Rugby ensures that rugby truly is a game for everyone, played by anyone.

Whether you’re looking to stay fit, make friends, or experience the thrill of rugby without the tackles, T1 Rugby offers a dynamic and inclusive way to enjoy this beloved sport.