DeA Tigers RFC

This aim forms the basis upon which mini rugby is structured in Hong Kong and, indeed, in many countries. A competitive spirit is inevitable in any sport, but with children this should not be allowed to dominate or to detract from the joy of simply playing this game.

Currently there are more than a dozen clubs in Hong Kong offering mini rugby to almost three thousand children! It is arguably the best organised sport for children in Hong Kong featuring multi-club festivals and involvement in the international Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

The Hong Kong Mini Rugby Union oversees the game for players under 12 and arranges for all players to be insured. All clubs are represented and through this body maintain links with the HKRFU, which provides financial and training support. The last five years has seen a dramatic move from a sport previously dominated by expatriates to one in which all sectors of the community are involved especially the Chinese population.

The rules of mini rugby attempt to maximise the opportunities of each player to become involved in the game, develop skills commensurate with their age, and maintain safety. Details of the basic rules can be found in the either the indiviual team sections or for the various age groups in the Referee section.

The involvement of minis in the game of rugby is recognised by the Division, by all mini clubs and by HKRFU in three ways:

Normal Training

Training is normally from every Sunday starting at 9.00AM to 11.00AM unless there is a festival as below.Currently because of redevelopment to the ground at Kings Park we have split the session as below:
Please note: It is advisable to arrive before 8.45 AM to ensure car parking at Kings Park.

 

Important Dates

2009/2010

The idea is for players to accumulate these and other badges over their time with the club and to add them to their kit to demonstrate their involvement and progress. The background colours will change from season to season.

 

Festivals

Through the Mini Union a number of clubs organise day-long gatherings to allow teams from different clubs to play one another. To emphasise the above aim there are no leagues or cup competitions at these festivals (except for the U12 group as a preparation for their move to the youth game).

 

DeA Tigers usually organises the first of these festivals in early November, this year due to the redevelopment work it has been delayed until Febuary. This is a particularly demanding occasion for the Division and its success depends entirely on the support provided by members from the coaches and referees, the pitch marshalls, the bbq crew, etc. Hosting almost 3000 children plus parents and friends is a daunting task, but at the end of the day the satisfaction of seeing so much fun on the pitches makes the effort more than worthwhile.

 

Hong Kong International Sevens

HKRFU organises at the Hong Kong stadium a 3-day competition in March for seven-a-side, international senior teams. Over 40,000 people attend the event, which has worldwide TV coverage.

Mini clubs are invited to participate in the event by playing games for all year groups in the stadium at the start of each day. For most players this is the highlight of the season and running on the grass in such a venue is certainly a memory that will stay with them. All players also have the opportunity of participating in the marchpast on Sunday along with the international players.

Each Sunday you can walk through the different groups to see how players develop over time. You can compare the fun and delight of a 5-year old running with the ball in circles chased by everyone else to the pleasure on the face of a 12-year old scoring a try after the team has successfully moved the ball down the pitch. It's a great game!