Over 530 players between the ages of five and 14 participated in Utah Youth Rugby’s summer of youth 7s this year.

The season numbers four tournaments, and the participation numbers were a 15% increase over 2013, with growth at all age groups.

The biggest growth, said Utah Youth Rugby ED Michael Cressler, was in the 11-12-year-old range.

“This was expected considering the size of the U10s last year,” said Cressler.

At the U6 level, four teams participated, with the number of teams rising to at each level to 17 in the U12 age-group. Twelve U14 teams participated.

“We also saw a marked increase in quality of play in both the U12 and the U14 levels,” said Cressler, “as players who have been participating for the last four years are now in the older age groups. New this year were weight restrictions for ages to keep competition safe and fair. This was very warmly received. It also cut injuries by over 75%.”

Several players on these teams are now at an age where they are able to play almost year-round, with spring 15s, summer youth 7s, and fall 7s for high school and middle-school kids.

“Based upon player polls and questions, most of the U14 players plan to transition to fall rugby over football, which is a major step forward for the sport in Utah,” said Cressler. “Many of the football coaches are beginning to encourage their 2nd- and 3rd-string players to pick up rugby to improve [their overall play] and to get them playing time they need.”

Utah Youth Rugby will run a 7s league for both high school and middle school teams. There will be a five-tournament series with 16 Boys Varsity, eight Girls Varsity, and eight Boys JV teams. Middle School team umbers have not been confirmed.

And on October 3-4, Utah Youth Rugby will host the North American Invitational 7s tournament at Murray Park, with U16, HS Open, and U18 Elite brackets. (See logo below, check http://www.utahyouthrugby.org/ for more)