Rugby/Rippa Fundamentals

Curriculum Links

• Health and Physical Education Learning Area

• Strand: Active Participation

• Achievement Objectives:

• A5 – Demonstrate personal and social skills to maintain relationships and participate collaboratively in physical activities and games.

• A6 – Demonstrate motor skills and movement patterns to participate successfully in a range of physical activities and games.

• E5/E6 – Understand the importance of rules in physical activities and apply them fairly.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Perform a rugby pass (spin pass and basic short pass) with improved accuracy and technique.

• Demonstrate safe and effective tackling technique following instruction and practice.

• Understand basic rugby game rules emphasizing safety, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

• Participate confidently in a modified rugby game applying the learned skills.

• Reflect on their own skill development and teamwork.

Lesson Plan Breakdown (45 minutes)

1. Introduction and Warm-up (8 minutes)

• Objective: Prepare students physically by activating strength and balance muscles.

• Activity:

• Dynamic warm-up including:

• Bunny hops (forward and sideways) – for leg strength and coordination.

• Balance challenges (e.g., standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe in a straight line).

• Arm circles and shoulder rotations to prepare for passing.

2. Skill Focus: Passing Techniques (10 minutes)

• Objective: Teach and practise rugby passing skills.

• Activities:

• Demonstration: Teacher shows correct passing technique (grip, body stance, spin on the ball). Emphasise passing across the body, stepping into the pass for accuracy.

• Partner practice:

• Students pair up, stand about 3 meters apart, and practise short passes under teacher supervision.

• Encourage communication (“Here comes the pass!”) and turn-taking.

3. Skill Focus: Rippa Rugby Fundamentals (10 minutes)

• Objective: Teach Rippa rugby fundamentals focusing on safe, non-contact play without tackling.

• Activities:

• Class discussion: Introduce the concept of Rippa rugby — a non-contact version of rugby where players remove a Velcro tag (rippa) from the ball carrier instead of tackling.

• Skill drills:

• Practice safe tag removal techniques, emphasizing speed, agility, and spatial awareness.

• Reinforce the importance of no physical contact and respecting personal space during play.

4. Modified Game: Skill Application (15 minutes)

• Objective: Apply passing and Rippa rugby skills in a fun, safe, non-contact game.

• Game Setup:

• Fields marked with cones suitable for 25 students divided into 3-4 teams.

• Modified Rippa rugby rules:

• No tackling; players remove a Velcro tag (rippa) from the ball carrier to stop play.

• Encourage passing to teammates and moving into space.

• Quick restarts after tag removals to maintain flow.

5. Cool Down and Reflection (2 minutes)

• Gentle stretching focusing on arms, legs, and back.

• Whole-class reflection circle:

• Ask students what they learned about passing

• Highlight fair play and teamwork.

Assessment

Success Criteria

• Students demonstrate controlled and correct rugby passes emphasizing accuracy.

• Students apply safe tackling techniques with awareness of safety.

• Students actively participate and follow game rules in the modified game.

• Students articulate the importance of teamwork and fair play.

Equipment Needed

• Rugby balls (size suitable for ages 9-11)

• Cones for marking boundaries and zones

• Bibs or coloured bands to identify teams

• Rippa tags and bands