Girls’ Rugby in Canberra: Frequently Asked Questions

FlightPath Rugby Union Canberra is a not-for-profit organisation providing a dedicated girls’ rugby pathway across Canberra and the surrounding region. The pathway supports players from U13 through U15 and U17, with a focus on development, quality coaching, player welfare, mentoring, representative opportunities and progression into senior women’s rugby.

FlightPath is a pathway organisation rather than a traditional junior rugby club. Our focus is on developing and supporting girls through the different stages of their rugby journey. FlightPath is affiliated with Uni-Norths Owls, which provides an important connection into senior women’s rugby, while players remain free to choose the senior pathway that is right for them.

FlightPath is designed primarily for girls progressing through U13, U15 and U17 rugby. This generally supports players from approximately 12 to 18 years of age, depending on competition age requirements and the programme involved.

FlightPath is designed primarily for girls progressing through U13, U15 and U17 rugby. This generally supports players from approximately 12 to 18 years of age, depending on competition age requirements and the programme involved.

FlightPath is designed primarily for girls progressing through U13, U15 and U17 rugby. This generally supports players from approximately 12 to 18 years of age, depending on competition age requirements and the programme involved.

No. FlightPath welcomes players with different levels of experience, from girls picking up a rugby ball for the first time through to established club and representative players.

Our coaches will work with each player at an appropriate level and help her understand what she can work on next.

Yes. FlightPath is designed to support girls from across Canberra and the surrounding region. Players do not need to have previously played for Uni-Norths Owls or any particular rugby club to become involved.

FlightPath is designed to complement the broader rugby pathway rather than unnecessarily restrict a player’s involvement elsewhere. Specific competition and registration arrangements may vary depending on the programme, age group and applicable Rugby Australia or ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union requirements. For example, if you already have a season club for Canberra rugby, you are still welcome to sign up for other opportunities provided through FlightPath.

FlightPath is built around the long-term journey of the individual player. Alongside training and competition, the pathway includes individual development, position-specific coaching, mentoring, player welfare, representative support, interstate opportunities, leadership development and structured preparation for senior women’s rugby. We measure success through retention, progression and player development as well as results.

FlightPath is built around the long-term journey of the individual player. Alongside training and competition, the pathway includes individual development, position-specific coaching, mentoring, player welfare, representative support, interstate opportunities, leadership development and structured preparation for senior women’s rugby. We measure success through retention, progression and player development as well as results.

U13 is about building confidence, enjoyment and strong rugby foundations. Players develop core skills including catch-pass, tackling, breakdown, evasion, safe contact, communication and decision-making while experiencing different positions and learning what it means to be part of a team.

U15 introduces more advanced technical and tactical development. Players begin developing position-specific skills, game management, attacking and defensive structures, set-piece understanding, physical preparation, leadership and greater ownership of their individual development.

U17 prepares players for higher levels of rugby and the transition into the senior game.

The programme includes advanced technical development, position-specific coaching, game understanding, physical preparation, leadership, representative preparation and senior rugby readiness.

FlightPath is designed so the pathway does not suddenly end when junior rugby finishes.

Players approaching senior rugby may receive introductions to senior coaches, training opportunities, mentoring and individual transition support. Uni-Norths Owls is FlightPath’s principal affiliated senior pathway, but players remain free to choose another senior rugby environment.

Yes. FlightPath can help players identify appropriate representative and development opportunities and support them financially, as well as with preparation, feedback and guidance through the process. Selection decisions remain with the relevant representative programme or governing body.

Where appropriate, FlightPath intends to provide and support interstate competition and development opportunities. These experiences can expose players to different opposition, higher levels of competition and new rugby environments while supporting their development on and off the field.

Potentially, yes. Through the support of our sponsors and partners, FlightPath aims to assist eligible players where genuine financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them from accessing representative, development or interstate opportunities. We call this commitment No Player Left Behind. Families are encouraged to speak with FlightPath confidentially if cost may be a barrier.

While most regular clubs only require coaches to have Smart Rugby, all FlightPath coaches are expected to hold a current Rugby Australia Level 1 coaching qualification as a minimum standard. Coaches and support crew working with junior players must also hold current Working with Vulnerable People registration appropriate to their role. FlightPath also places strong expectations around safeguarding, communication, player welfare and appropriate coach-player boundaries.

Player welfare is a core priority. FlightPath maintains standards and policies covering safeguarding, coach-player conduct, communication, injury management, concussion, first aid, travel, media, complaints and player wellbeing. Players should feel safe, respected and supported throughout their involvement with the programme.

Players should tell their coach about any injuries or medical concerns that may affect participation. Suspected concussion is taken seriously and must be managed in accordance with applicable rugby protocols. Players should only return to rugby when the appropriate clearance and return-to-play requirements have been satisfied.

From time to time, yes. Rugby works because of the community around it. Parents and families may occasionally be asked to assist with activities such as BBQ duties, events, game-day support or a team jersey washing rota. These small contributions help programmes operate smoothly and are part of the community that makes rugby special.

No. Every player has her own FlightPath. Some girls may want to enjoy rugby, improve and play with friends. Others may want to pursue representative or high-performance opportunities. Both are valid. Our role is to help each player develop towards her own ambitions.