WHERE IT ALL BEGINS 

​​​​​​​Running around barefoot on a frosty Saturday morning is how so many New Zealanders start in rugby. 

In the Manawatū, kids as young as four can start playing rippa rugby for a club. From the age of seven, children transition into tackle rugby

We have 12 junior clubs across our province. This includes Palmerston North-based clubs to clubs located in the surrounding towns and rural communities. Where ever you live in the Manawatū, there is a rugby club for your tamariki. 

The Manawatū Rugby Union's Game Development team also runs a number of rippa rugby competitions throughout the year for schools to take part in.