FAQ
Home PITCH (Practice & Matches)
What programs doES KnigHtmare offer?
Knightmare Rugby offers year-round opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and compete through the sport of rugby. In the fall, we run a 7s program for U19 and U16 boys and girls. In the spring, we shift to traditional 15s rugby for the same age groups. During the summer, we offer Rookie Rugby, a fun and non-contact introduction to the game for children entering grades 1 through 8, focusing on basic skills, teamwork, and movement in a safe and supportive environment. Whether athletes are new to the sport or looking to compete at a high level, our programs provide a place for every player to thrive.
What’s the difference between 7s and 15s rugby, and when are the seasons?
Rugby 7s is the Olympic version of the sport and one of the fastest-growing games in the world. With only seven players per side on the field, the game is fast-paced, high-scoring, and exciting to watch. Matches are played tournament-style and last just 14 minutes—two 7-minute halves with a 1-minute halftime. Teams typically play 3 to 5 games in a single day. In RugbyPA, the 7s season is held in the fall, with practices beginning in August and Sunday tournaments held at various sites around the state running from early September through early November each year.
Rugby 15s is the traditional format of the game, featuring 15 players per side. Known for its strategic, technical style of play and physicality, 15s shares similarities with American football but is continuous and fluid. At the youth and high school levels, matches are 70 minutes long—two 35-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime. In RugbyPA, the 15s season runs from early March through late May, with practices typically beginning in mid-January. Matches are held on Sundays, with teams playing a balanced schedule of home and away games throughout the season.
Knightmare also offers an optional Summer 7s program for interested players, typically running in June and July. The team competes in a variety of tournaments based on player availability and the desired level of competition.
Rookie Rugby is a coed, non-contact program designed for players entering grades 1 through 8. It offers a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where new players can learn the fundamentals of the game, including passing, movement, and teamwork. The season typically runs during the summer months of June and July.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
To participate with Knightmare Rugby Club as a U19 or U16 girls or boys player, two separate registrations are required—one with RugbyPA/USA Rugby and one with PA Classics. Players who choose to play year-round will need to register for both seasons, with the spring registration offered at a discounted rate for those who participated in the fall. If you’re only playing one season, you’ll simply register prior to that season’s start. Rookie Rugby only requires registration with PA Classics.
RugbyPA Registration
Open this link in your browser: https://www.rugbypa.org/registration-player
Watch the instructional video
Complete the necessary steps with the Rugby Xplorer
PA Classics Registration
Open this link in your browser: https://www.paclassics.org/knightmares-rugby
Follow the steps on the “Registration Link”
Do I need any experience to play?
No! We welcome players of all skill level who have the determination to play and commitment to learn. Our dedicated coaching staff will develop every player who wants to participate.
What equipment do I need to play?
All players must have appropriate cleats (for safety and by rugby law, without a spike in the middle front of the cleat)—most soccer cleats work well, and there are also dedicated rugby cleats available from many online retailers. Aside from footwear, players do not need any other equipment. Mouth guards are provided to every player, and shorts can be purchased at the start of every season. For practice, players should wear weather-appropriate clothing (sweat pants and hoodies in the winter, gym shorts and t-shirts in the summer).
Isn’t rugby dangerous and rough?
There is no doubt that rugby is a physical sport. However, because players do not wear pads, contact is inherently safer and much more controlled than in American football and lacrosse. In fact, in recent years many football coaches have tried to teach their players rugby tackling principals because of how injury-preventative it is. Our knowledgeable coaching staff will teach every player how to play safely and controlled.
What is a cipp?
To engage in contact, even at practice, a player must fill out a “Certified Individual Player Participant (CIPP)” form at the start of the season. Filling out this form registers the player with their particular club. This can be completed by going to rugbypa.org and clicking the “registration” tab. Once you have done this, click on the “player registration” link and follow the directions to register with Knightmare Rugby Club.
How fit do I need to be?
Like soccer, rugby play is continuous; stoppages only occur for penalties and infringements. Although players do not need to be fit coming into the season, they must be prepared for rigorous cardio throughout the season. Practices focus on teaching techniques and skills while conditioning players physically. It is always recommended that players engage in cardio and weight training outside of practice.
DO I need to play all year round? Can I play other sports?
You don’t have to play rugby year-round—though you certainly can! We have athletes who choose to play both 7s and 15s, as well as those who focus on just one season. We actively encourage our players to participate in other sports and activities, as it helps them become more well-rounded individuals and can even set them apart in the college recruiting process.
Many of our current and former players have also competed in soccer, football, tennis, track and field, and lacrosse, while others have pursued interests in school plays, musicals, and band. We believe that a balanced approach leads to stronger athletes and better teammates—on and off the field.