Which Playbook should my child start with? A guide by age

Every Playbook belongs to one of three series, one for each stage of a young player's journey. Start with Playbook 1 of your child's series and read them in order.

Ages 3–6: First Steps

Picture-led books to read aloud together, about first skills: running, catching and passing to a friend. Jake and Zara lead the way. Start with Catch It, Jake!

Ages 7–12: Game Smarts

Skills, rules and game sense, one clear step at a time, with Mia and Leo.

1. Hands Ready, Pass Back!: catch, pass and support. Start here.
2. Find the Space: dodge, step and beat a defender with Mia and Leo.
3. Where Do I Play?: meet the positions in a rugby team.
4. How Rugby Works: the rules, and how to score.
5. Tackling the Safe Way: following New Zealand Rugby's junior rules.

Ages 12+: Next Level

Reading the game, training habits and mindset for teens, with Riley and Kai. Start with Read the Game.

Not sure? Start free

Meet The Rugby Playbook is our free Starter Playbook for ages 7–12. It introduces the characters, the one big rule and a first tag game.

Between two ages?

Choose by reading level and experience, not only age. A confident 6-year-old reader may enjoy Game Smarts with a grown-up; a 12-year-old new to rugby may like to start with Game Smarts before Next Level.

See all the Playbooks · Flip through the Starter Playbook