Our story
Every rugby story starts with a first catch.
For the parent on the sideline who never played. For the coach with a bag of balls on a cold Saturday morning. And for the child who just wants to play.
The moments that make a player
Ages 3–6
The first catch
Hands out, eyes wide, the ball lands and stays. A small moment that feels enormous, for the child and for the grown-up cheering.
Ages 7–12
The first try
Run, dodge, press the ball down over the line. The whole team celebrates, and the other team says “well played”.
Ages 12+
The first big decision
Reading the space, calling the play, trusting a team-mate. The game starts to make sense from the inside.
Why we started
Rugby is a wonderful game. But for a family meeting it for the first time, it can feel like a lot: new rules, new positions, new words, all at once.
We wanted a parent who has never played to be able to sit down with their child, read a page together, and both understand it. Then go outside and try it.
Making rugby easier to understand, learn and enjoy.
That is our whole mission. Every book, every character and every page starts there.
For parents
You don’t need to know the rules to help. Our books explain the game in plain words, with notes for you on the pages that need them. Read together, talk about the questions, then play the simple games at home. The best part of rugby is sharing it.
Sneak peek a free Playbook
For coaches
You give your weekends to the game. Our books give your players the same simple words at home that they hear at training, so every session builds on the last. Coach Dan and Coach Ana show what good coaching looks like: safe, patient and respectful.
For coaches and clubsWhat we stand for
Safety first
Beginners start with tag games and no contact. Grown-ups get clear notes, and junior rules come from the player’s own country.
Respect
Opponents on the field, friends before and after. Our characters thank the referee and shake hands win or lose.
Clear and correct
One skill at a time, in plain words, checked against World Rugby’s laws.
Fun
Rugby should be something children want to do again tomorrow.
Behind the scenes
See how every Playbook is designed and checked
See you on the field.
The Rugby Playbook is a registered New Zealand business, making books for young players everywhere.