Rugby was always a game played by people of all shapes, sizes and weights, but in recent years a change has occurred where smaller players are reluctant.
Parents are reluctant to see their child smashed by players twice their size, leading some to choose a milder contact sport.
A solution to keeping the smaller players in the game is under-85kg rugby, which gives the opportunity to play the game with similar-sized players, thereby ensuring continued enjoyment.
New Zealand Rugby is committed to growing the 85kg grades, with a pathway for secondary school players and increased adult participation.
A new club competition for under 85kg rugby was introduced in May 2020. In 2022, 47 teams entered the competition, structured into Northern, Central and Southern conferences. The knock-out competition led to the final between Auckland University and Southern Rugby Clubs at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
Under-85kg rugby is extremely fast paced, which I can personally attest to, after playing weight-restricted rugby back in the 1980s.
One of the memorable moments was the preseason weigh-in, where all players nervously stepped on the scales, hoping to be under the magical mark.
Club games led to a trial to select a North Harbour team to play Auckland at Eden Park No.2 and I was fortunate enough to make the side. Our club team, Takapuna, won the competition as well so it was a tremendous way to say goodbye to playing rugby.
Props were as fast as wings, forwards ran down backs, all players were of a comparable size.
Weight restrictions allow lighter players to either transition to a higher grade or the old fellows to continue their careers.
Critics will say it is not ‘real rugby’ but if fast 15-a-side rugby is not your thing, then so be it.
Of course, lighter players do make their mark on rugby, but they are the exception not the rule. Going back as far as All Black winger Grant Batty, what these players lacked in size they made up for in courage and feistiness.
Rugbypass collated a World XV of under-85kg players, including Damian McKenzie, Cheslin Kolbe and Romain Ntamac. The team’s weaknesses were listed as set piece/lineouts and strengths were skills and pace. Their main objective was to keep the ball alive and play a sevens style.
Worldwide 85kg rugby is behind New Zealand at this point but there are certain countries who would embrace such a concept, with Sir Graham Henry saying, “Can you image a New Zealand under-85kg team playing a Japan under-85kg team? I think we might struggle.”
Under-85 rugby will play a significant role in building player numbers at grassroots level and allow an opportunity for those who would have quit the game.
Keep an eye on this sport as it can only grow and develop – and it may give you cause to polish the boots again!
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
When our home ground was replaced by an artificial the game speed of under 85kg rugby went up a notch again. It was insane.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
Agree, protect your head. Hang up your boots. Maybe start coaching?
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
Most players who are under 85kg will never be professionals. The ones that will be will play open grade. Under 85kg keeps players in the game. At the club. Involved etc. Being part of the scene makes it more likely that players will encourage their kids to play. If you are a tight forward and 85kg you might be giving up 40kg against your opponent. For a front rower that is a countdown to you get a serious injury. Though maybe for South Africa it should be under 105kg than under 85kg :laughing:
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
Not all Pacific Island heritage players are over 85kg. There were plenty playing in the 85kg grade when I played. Weight grade will keep more players playing. That’s good for rugby. For players above 85kg there will still be open grade.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
That’s how it was when I was at high school: Under 45kg, under 55kg, under 65kg, under 75kg, under 15 open grade, and open grade. The NZRU got rid of the NZ under 16s as all it did was get kids who grew fast in the system. Once you get in the system you keep getting picked. When the kids who grew at a slower rate finally grew up and filled out, they had size and skill. The fast growers only really knew how too run straight, into a tackle.
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
PI complaining or the virtuous white people? If people get excluded from something they get all upset about it. How long before they start calling it a racist competition? Which will be ironic won't it?
Guess
Roar Rookie
They actually complain that it's bad concept cause pi can't participate :laughing:
Guess
Roar Rookie
It's common sense right?
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
You are what this story is all about, players who gave up the game because of big opposition.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I love the concept of u85’s. It was never an option for me with no teams around. Had it been I would have kept playing. I didn’t have the skills to be a halfback. But I was fast and a hard tackler who made a good fist of both the outside centre and back row up until I was lining up against players that had close to 40kgs on me. I would have still been giving away a fair start on players at 85kg but that was easily manageable. 40kg’s? Not so much.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
maybe under 85 kg's wear purple shorts & cannot be tackled unless by another player wearing purple shorts?))
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
go to be a good thing if it means this doesn't happen too often https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIu0A69lwvM
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
Thanks and welcome.
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
We played against Auckland in 88,89 roughly
Keilidh
Roar Rookie
It’s a big range, when Auckland combined the U80’s and U85’s there was concern about potential injuries. At U90 you’re making it difficult for the under 80kg forwards. These are amateur athletes who want to keep playing rugby
Keilidh
Roar Rookie
Yes, in Auckland, for Ponsonby and Marist.
Peter Darrow
Roar Guru
In NZ Keilidh?
TeeBee
Guest
Just stopping by for my first ever Roar comment to whole heartedly support this grade and notion. Keeps people playing the game, keeps punters in the clubs - I played for the University team a few years ago that made the final and the U85 teams are always in the club house supporting the clubs. My only regret was not starting sooner and that they didnt have the grade when I moved to Australia as open weight isn’t appealing as an under-sized forward!
Keilidh
Roar Rookie
These are the big boys, we used to play under 77’s in the 90’s! They increased the limit to 80 kgs, then combined with the 85’s. It was a great competition, good, fast games and the only chance to play in the front row at that weight. With enough speed you’re able to play wing and front row, and easy lifts in the line outs!
Tom
Guest
For sure specially with the national comp. I know my first couple years playing seniors was round 85 90kgs. So was up against it as a forward. First senior game rod ketels and John speirs were in the puke team.