5 Ways to Retain 14-19 Year-Olds in Rugby: Challenges, Benefits, and Solutions

Rugby’s more than just a game – it’s a lifestyle. But if you’re a coach, parent, or player, you’ve probably noticed that fewer teens are sticking with the sport as they hit their late teens. So, what’s going on, and how can we turn it around? 

Let’s take a dive into the factors that stop 14-19-year-olds from engaging in rugby, the benefits of keeping them involved, and what everyone can do to help.

Why Are Teenagers Dropping Out of Rugby?

The reasons teens drop out of rugby are complex, but there are a few key themes that come up time and time again. Let’s break it down:

1. The Age Gap and Relative Age Effect

As teens reach their mid-teens, the competition ramps up. The relative age effect (where players born later in the selection year often feel they’re at a disadvantage) hits hard. Players born towards the end of the selection year might feel they’re always a step behind, which can lead to frustration and, ultimately, dropping out. 

If you’re not progressing, or feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up, it’s hard to stay motivated. This issue has been observed in youth rugby leagues, where late-born players face disadvantages in terms of development and performance, leading to disengagement by ages 14-19¹.

2. Academic and Social Pressures

In all fairness, rugby isn’t the only thing on a teenager’s mind. School, part-time jobs, social life, and family pressures all compete for attention. When it comes to deciding between having some downtime or heading to rugby training, it’s easy to see why some opt for the former. The sport needs to compete for these limited hours in a teen’s already packed schedule. The issue of time management, balancing sport with academic life, and social activities is a major reason for dropout at this age².

3. Perception of Rugby as a ‘Tough’ Sport

Another issue that pops up is rugby’s “tough” reputation. In recent years, there’s been a growing awareness about concussion risks and the long-term effects of injuries. While the sport has taken steps to improve player safety, some teens may be put off by the physicality of the game. This perception can especially be an issue for newcomers who aren’t sure if they want to dive into a full-contact sport. Research indicates that while participation in rugby can have significant physical and mental benefits, the perception of danger often discourages new players, particularly at the youth level³.

4. Lack of Accessible Pathways for Non-Elite Players

For the teens who might not want to be the next big star but still love the game, the lack of clear pathways can be discouraging. If the only options appear to be go pro or go home, many will choose to go home. But the journey can be about enjoying the game, improving skills, and playing at whatever level feels right – not just about becoming elite. The absence of clear progression pathways for non-elite players has been found to lead to dropout in youth rugby, as young athletes may feel there’s little incentive to stay involved if they don’t see a direct route to higher competition⁴.

So, Why Should We Care About Getting More Teens Involved?

If you’re wondering why this matters so much, let’s talk benefits. 

First, let’s talk about the mental health of our youth. Rugby can be a huge boost to a teen’s self-confidence, teamwork skills, and stress relief. It offers a positive outlet for dealing with everything that’s going on in their lives. Rugby teaches valuable life lessons like discipline, resilience, and leadership – traits that are useful both on and off the field⁵.

But it’s not just about the individual; the benefits ripple out. The more teens that are involved in rugby, the stronger and more vibrant the community becomes. This helps clubs grow and thrive, which in turn makes the sport more accessible to future generations. Engaging adolescents in sport, particularly rugby, fosters long-term commitment to physical activity and can act as a catalyst for broader community engagement⁶.

Additionally, rugby keeps teens active. At a time when sedentary lifestyles are on the rise, especially with the increase in screen time, engaging in physical activities like rugby is crucial for long-term health. Not only does it help with fitness, but it also encourages positive habits like eating well, staying active, and looking after one’s body. Encouraging rugby participation can counteract the growing trend of inactivity in youth, particularly when opportunities to engage in physical activity are limited⁷.

What Needs to Change?

The good news? We can make changes! But it’ll take a team effort from players, parents, coaches, and rugby organizations. Here’s how we can turn things around:

1. Make Rugby More Inclusive and Less Intimidating

Rugby doesn’t have to be all about tackling hard and bruising bodies. The idea of non-contact or touch rugby is gaining traction and offers a great alternative for teens who want to be part of the action but don’t want the bruises. 

Offering these types of opportunities can help teens ease into the game and build confidence in their skills without feeling overwhelmed by the physical demands. Research has shown that more inclusive formats can help engage a wider range of teens in rugby⁸.

2. Create Clear Pathways and Development for All Players

We need to offer more than just elite-level opportunities. Not every teen will be a future international, and that’s okay! 

What’s important is creating pathways for players to enjoy the game at whatever level suits them. Whether it’s recreational leagues or social touch rugby, players should know there’s always a place for them to enjoy the sport and grow. 

Providing opportunities for players to participate at various levels (whether they aim to be elite or just enjoy the sport recreationally) is key to keeping them involved long-term⁹.

3. Encourage Participation Beyond Competition

Let’s shift the narrative. Rugby isn’t just about winning matches: it’s about building character and having fun. Creating environments where the focus is on participation and enjoyment has been shown to increase retention in youth sports¹⁰.

Coaches and clubs can increase engagement by focusing on creating enjoyable and supportive environments where players can develop their skills and friendships, rather than pushing them toward constant competition. This reduces the pressure on players and makes rugby a more welcoming space for all. 

4. Improve Player Support and Education

The pressure on teens doesn’t just come from their busy lives, it also comes from a lack of support in managing their time and mental health. 

Coaches and clubs have an opportunity to provide more resources to help players balance their athletic, academic, and social lives. Offering mental health support, as well as helping players manage their time more effectively, can go a long way in keeping them engaged in the sport. 

The integration of mental health and well-being support into rugby programs is essential for ensuring young athletes remain motivated and able to handle the pressures they face¹¹.

5. Involve Parents and Communities

Parents are a key part of the equation. Engaging parents and helping them understand the importance of rugby (not just for skill development, but for building confidence and community) can help foster a supportive environment for teens. 

Parents need to feel comfortable with the sport, too. Educating them about safety standards and how rugby helps their kids develop as individuals will go a long way. Community support, including from families, plays a vital role in keeping teens engaged in sports, including rugby¹².

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Rugby in the Game

We all have a stake in the future of youth rugby. By making rugby accessible, fun, and supportive for teens aged 14-19, we can build a stronger future for the sport. 

Let’s create an environment where all players feel welcome, regardless of their skill level. The more we invest in keeping teens involved, the brighter the future of rugby will be.

So, if you’re a coach, parent, or player – think about how you can make a difference. Support your local teams, create opportunities for new players, and let’s keep rugby growing for the next generation and beyond. 

After all, the game you love needs all of us to keep it alive and thriving. 🏉

References:

1. S. Roberts et al., Participation Trends According to Relative Age Across Youth UK Rugby League, Journal of Sport Sciences, 2017.
   
2. H. Thompson et al., The Effect of Deprivation on the Developmental Activities of Adolescent Rugby Union Players in Wales, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2016.
   
3. R. Smith, High-School Adolescents’ Motivation to Rugby Participation and Selection Criteria for Inclusion in School Rugby Teams: Coaches’ Perspective, BMC Research Notes, 2019.
   
4. P. Wilson et al., Exploring British Adolescent Rugby League Players’ Experiences of Professional Academies and Dropout, International Journal of Sports Management, 2020.
   
5. T. Lawrence, Exploring the Role of Rugby in Mental Health and Well-being of Adolescents, Journal of Youth Sports, 2022.