A New, Fun, & Exciting Way To Play
The official non-contact game, built by World Rugby to mirror the principles of the game we all love —The game is fun, fast, safe, and easy for everyone to participate.
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In August 2026, USA Youth & High School Rugby and USA Rugby jointly adopted T1 as the official standard for non-contact play in the United States. For the first time, YHS has a national game built to sit between a young athlete's first exposure to the game and full club participation — giving every “Get Into Rugby” graduate a clear, local next step.
From First Touch to Lifelong Participation
Closing the gap between “Get Into Rugby” and the pathway through State Youth Rugby Organizations (SYROs) & clubs
THE GAP: “Get Into Rugby” introduction sessions are highly effective at creating a young athlete's first exposure to the sport, but that is typically where the pathway ends today. Without a defined, local next step, many kids drift away before they find a team to belong to. T1 closes that gap.
T1 isn't another intro clinic and it isn't full contact rugby. It's the local, welcoming next step every “Get Into Rugby” player deserves.
Many Ways to Stay in the Game
Tap each step to follow a player's journey.
Get Into Rugby gives a kid their first touch of the ball.
Local T1 League gives them a season of local, fun, low-stakes play at their community club.
Because T1 leagues are run by local clubs, it’s easy to stay connected, meet coaches and families, and choose what comes next.
For players who want more, age-grade tackle rugby is a natural next step. Many will stay with T1, and that’s a win too.
T1 is Flexible and Adaptable
T1 is deliberately simple and flexible. It's played 7-a-side, on a half-pitch, fully non-contact, and open to mixed-age and mixed-gender participation. However, it has a “game on” structure that allows for any of the format principles to be adjusted to the local needs.
A Fast & Fun Game for Everyone
T1 Rugby is inclusive across genders, easy to teach and referee, and playable on grass, turf, or in the gym, making it a natural entry point for new players and a flexible addition to any PE or club program.
The format lowers the barrier to entry for kids who might be intimidated by full-contact rugby, for parents who want to see how their child “takes” to the sport before going further, and for community clubs looking to welcome more families into the game. T1 meets young athletes exactly where they are.
Inclusive and open to all genders
Creates friendships, team connections and confidence
Local Flexibility - Elements of the game can be adapted for local needs
Fits perfectly with new and existing rugby players
Rugby as we know it, without the contact
T1 Explained
Why SYROs and Clubs Are the Engine Behind This
The pathway runs through the SYROs and clubs that already form the backbone of youth rugby in every community. T1 is designed to be run and operated locally. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for a SYRO or a club — regardless of size or how mature their program already is — to stand up a T1 league and build a lasting, welcoming home for new players.
Syro-Direct
The SYRO organizes and runs the league, drawing players from multiple “Get Into Rugby” sites.
Club-Direct
The Club organizes and runs the T1 sessions, drawing players from multiple “Get Into Rugby” sites.
A Growing National Community
National Standardization
The official non-contact format for YHS and USA Rugby, backed by national curriculum, instructional video, and referee guidance, with full integration into non-contact coaching targeted for Spring 2027.
Growing Community by Community
Interest from organizations of every size means T1 will roll out in stages, starting with pilot communities.
Room for Everyone
Across 47 SYROs and 900+ member clubs, YHS is targeting one million youth players by 2033— and this pathway directly serves that goal.
Where is T1 Going?
National Standard
T1 as the official national standard for non-contact rugby in the United States — and for the first time, the United States has an offering built specifically to sit in that gap so that all non contact rugby has a singular standard that can be adopted. Offers clarity for parents and understanding that wherever you are in the country the game model is the same.
Pilot Locations
Spring 2027 will see a handful of pilot locations begin implementing the T1 model. Pilot locations will be crucial in assisting the next steps in resource development towards the mass participation goals.
Coaching Education
T1 roll-out comes backed by a full national curriculum, an instructional video series, and referee guidance, with integration into non-contact coaching education targeted for 2027.
One Million Players
Across 47 SYROs and 900+ member clubs, YHS is targeting one million youth players by 2033— and this pathway directly serves that goal.
T1 Resources
Access official Youth and High School resources — rules, lesson plans, and referee guides — and connect with USA YHS to get your program started.
Bring T1 Rugby to Your School or Club
Access official World Rugby resources — rules, lesson plans, and referee guides — and connect with USA YHS to learn more.
Contact USA YHS