Question on Union and league

[Baffled]

Hi all I hope I've put this in the correct place. I have three boys who play Union at school and for a club. The latest trend for the under 13's is to play Union till the season ends and then go over to league till it starts again. What are your views on this? Good thing or bad thing? I don't really understand league as have only ever been involved in Union but the boys seem to eat, sleep, and breath rugby right now. The youngest thrives right through the season and is showing a lot of talent. When the season ends he seems a little lost...

Thanks in advance

 

[goodNumber10]

hello and welcome.

skill wise etc... they will learn a lot from playing league.

Me personal fear would be excessive sport and the impact it has on their joints etc... I have known a few good players stop because of damage to the knees etc... from playing lots of sport all year around.

it's a hard one.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Sounds good to me - as long as they aren't showing signs of fatigue.

League will help develop certain skills better than Union will because they will do them more often.
They will spend more time passing, tackling and running with the ball and doing so in more space than they would in union.

Any kids that play union should also play 7s, touch or league IMO - just because they put more emphasis on the fundamental ball skills.

 

[Baffled]

Thank you for your replies. My worry too is injury. They do an extra touch practice at school in season. I suppose it's just finding something Rugby wise out of Union season to keep their hand in and minds occupied. They move onto Cricket at school but they aren't really keen on cricket! lots to think about, all of my boys are quick but slightly built, injury is always at the front of our minds.

Thanks again.

 

[thechosenfamily]

hello and welcome.

skill wise etc... they will learn a lot from playing league.

Me personal fear would be excessive sport and the impact it has on their joints etc... I have known a few good players stop because of damage to the knees etc... from playing lots of sport all year around.

it's a hard one.

Absolutely this

Hearing stories at my club a couple of weeks ago about kids stopping club rugby due to too many games for school, club etc. And that's just Union matches.

Need to be very careful I think

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I've always done that with rugby and Gaelic Football. I think if you're not doing too much on a week to week basis there is no trouble in playing rugby all year round. Two rest days a week and injuries through should be avoided imo, not that I'm talking with any knowledge apart from personal experience.

 

[pah246]

Do both. As previously mentioned if they do not overlap there really shouldn't be a problem, just keep an eye. Better to be doing some exercise that they enjoy.