Rugby Activities in Norway
The Norwegian Rugby Federation offers a wide range of rugby activities and programs for players of all ages, skill levels, and interests. Whether you’re new to rugby or an experienced player, there’s something for everyone.
Rugby Union (15-a-side)
Rugby Union is the traditional format of rugby, played with 15 players per team on a full-sized pitch. This is the most common form of rugby in Norway, with leagues and competitions running from February through September.
What to Expect:
- Full-contact team sport emphasizing strength, strategy, and teamwork
- 80-minute matches (two 40-minute halves)
- Positions for all body types and skill sets
- League competitions at various skill levels
- Opportunities for national team selection
Who Can Play: Men, women, and youth teams (various age groups)
Find a club near you to start playing Rugby Union.
Rugby Sevens (7-a-side)
Rugby Sevens is a faster, more dynamic version of rugby played with seven players per team on a full-sized pitch. Matches are shorter (14 minutes total), making it an exciting, high-paced format perfect for tournaments and festivals.
What to Expect:
- Fast-paced, open style of play with more running and scoring
- Two 7-minute halves (14 minutes total)
- Tournament format with multiple matches in one day
- Olympic sport with international competition opportunities
- Great for developing speed, agility, and decision-making skills
Who Can Play: Men and women, all ages
National Teams: Norway fields both men’s and women’s sevens teams competing in Rugby Europe tournaments.
Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby is a non-contact version of rugby perfect for beginners, families, and social players. Instead of tackling, players wear tags on their waist that opponents pull to stop play.
What to Expect:
- No tackling or physical contact
- Easy to learn, fun to play
- Great introduction to rugby skills and tactics
- Mixed-gender teams welcome
- Social, recreational atmosphere
Who Can Play: Everyone! All ages, genders, and fitness levels
Tag Rugby is an excellent way to try rugby for the first time or stay active in a fun, social environment.
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby is another non-contact variation where players touch opponents with two hands instead of tackling. It’s faster-paced than Tag Rugby and emphasizes passing, movement, and teamwork.
What to Expect:
- Minimal contact (two-handed touch)
- Continuous, fast-paced gameplay
- Develops passing and positioning skills
- Competitive leagues and social games available
- Great fitness workout
Who Can Play: All ages and skill levels, mixed teams common
Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby is an inclusive, Paralympic sport that combines elements of rugby, basketball, and handball. It’s designed for athletes with physical disabilities affecting all four limbs.
What to Expect:
- Full-contact sport played in specially designed wheelchairs
- Mixed-gender teams (men and women play together)
- Fast-paced, strategic gameplay
- Classification system ensures fair competition
- Paralympic sport with international competition pathways
Who Can Play: Athletes with quadriplegia or comparable disabilities affecting all four limbs
Equipment: Specialized rugby wheelchairs are provided by clubs and programs
Wheelchair Rugby is one of the most exciting Paralympic sports, offering competitive opportunities at local, national, and international levels. Contact us to learn more about wheelchair rugby programs in Norway.
Australian Football (AFL)
Australian Football, also known as AFL or Aussie Rules, is a fast-paced oval ball sport that shares some similarities with rugby but has its own unique rules and style of play. While not traditional rugby, many rugby clubs in Norway also offer Australian Football as an alternative activity.
What to Expect:
- Played on a large oval field with 18 players per team
- High-scoring game with frequent marking (catching) and kicking
- 360-degree play with no offside rule
- Combines elements of rugby, soccer, and basketball
- Growing international sport with European competitions
Who Can Play: Men and women, various age groups
Skills Developed: Kicking, marking, handball, endurance, spatial awareness
Australian Football offers a unique alternative for rugby players looking to try something different while using similar athletic skills.
Gaelic Football
Gaelic Football is an Irish sport that combines elements of rugby, soccer, and basketball. Like Australian Football, it’s offered by some rugby clubs in Norway as an additional activity for members.
What to Expect:
- Played with 15 players per team on a rectangular pitch
- Round ball that can be kicked, hand-passed, or carried
- Scoring through goals (under crossbar) or points (over crossbar)
- Physical but controlled contact
- Strong international community with European competitions
Who Can Play: Men and women, all ages
Skills Developed: Kicking, catching, hand-passing, teamwork, fitness
Gaelic Football provides another exciting team sport option for those interested in trying different football codes.
Youth Rugby Programs
We offer comprehensive youth rugby programs designed to introduce children and teenagers to rugby in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
Age Groups:
- Mini Rugby (Under 7-12): Modified games focusing on fun, basic skills, and teamwork
- Youth Rugby (Under 13-18): Progressive skill development and competitive play
- Junior Development Squads: Advanced training for talented young players
Focus Areas:
- Fundamental rugby skills (passing, catching, running, tackling)
- Teamwork and sportsmanship
- Physical fitness and coordination
- Rugby values: respect, discipline, integrity
- Pathway to national youth teams
Find a club offering youth rugby programs near you.
Coaching & Referee Courses
Want to give back to rugby? We offer coaching and referee certification courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Coaching Courses:
- Level 1: Introduction to Rugby Coaching
- Level 2: Advanced Coaching Techniques
- Level 3: High-Performance Coaching
- Specialized courses (youth coaching, sevens, skills development)
Referee Courses:
- Introduction to Refereeing
- Laws of the Game workshops
- Match official development programs
- Pathway to national and international refereeing
Contact: rugby@nif.idrett.no for information about upcoming courses.
Social Rugby & Events
Rugby is more than just a sport—it’s a community. Throughout the year, clubs and the federation organize social events, festivals, and tournaments that bring the rugby community together.
Events Include:
- Rugby festivals and tournaments
- Beach rugby events
- Social mixers and club gatherings
- International tours and exchanges
- Fundraising events
- Awards ceremonies and celebrations
Check our news page for upcoming events and activities.
Get Involved Today
Ready to try rugby? Whether you want to play, coach, referee, or volunteer, there’s a place for you in Norwegian rugby.
Next Steps:
- Find your local club
- Contact the club to express your interest
- Attend a training session or event
- Join the Norwegian rugby community!
Try and stop us! Join Norway’s most exciting rugby journey.
Questions? Contact us for more information about any of these activities.