U85kg Pilot Competition FAQs
The Rugby Victoria U85kg Competition is a weight-restricted, men's XV-a-side competition.
The competition is designed to address weight-based barriers to participation and provide alternative playing opportunity to regular club rugby competitions for male participants including but not limited to school-leavers, university students, and special interest groups.
Yes, World Rugby Laws will apply to the competition, including permitted Game On Law Variations as prescribed by the Competition Managers.
The 2026 competition is scheduled to run from mid February to Late March, with all matches to be played on a Wednesday evening.
After feedback from the pilot competition, the timing of the 2026 season has been identified to commence and conclude prior to, the first round of the regular club competition season.
Wednesday evening has been selected to avoid (where possible) the conflict with regular club training evenings (typically Tuesday and Thursday), as well as weekend commitments and regular club season matches (once club competitions have commenced).
Locations of the matches are at Moorabbin Rugby Club (Harold Caterson Reserve, Keys Road Moorabbin).
Fees start from are $121 for the Full Season or $23.50 if paying weekly, with individual club fees on top of this.
No, you do not.
Participants not wishing to register for the full competition season will have the option to register on a per-weekly basis.
It is important to note that each weekly registration is valid for seven (7) days from the date of registration. Participants will not be eligible to participate in any match in which their registration status is inactive.
Absolutely! We would be happy to find a team for your to participate in. Rugby is renowned globally for fostering open and welcoming environments both on and off the field, we are sure you will meet some great mates and enjoy yourself from the start.
Definitely. Rugby Victoria will work with teams and their coaches on developing new players to the game alongside experienced rugby participants. Through off-field training and learning the basics of rugby, we are sure you will find the confidence to participate and enjoy the game.
As a pilot competition, we will also work flexibly with participating teams and match officials to ensure a positive, inclusive environment and experience for all participants.
Players who weigh 85.0kg or more at the prescribed "weigh in" time will not be permitted to participate in any match in that match in the U85kg Competition.
Players will "weigh in" prior to each match at an agreed time by the participating teams, but no later than 30 minutes before the match is scheduled to kick off.
Players who weigh 85.0kg or more at the time of weigh in will not be permitted to participate in that match.
Please note - Rugby Victoria strongly advises against poor eating and dietary habits, including but not limited to crash-dieting, using diuretics, or starving of food or water. We want players in this competition to maintain healthy habits throughout their participation, and ask Team Personnel to monitor player wellbeing across all aspects of the game, including weight.
Yes! Rugby, like any community sport, requires a variety of volunteers to support the delivery of the game. The U85kg competition can be an ideal opportunity to start (or continue) Coaching, Managing or Refereeing.
Rugby Victoria promotes the healthy practices for all involved in the game. The Butterfly Foundation provides support services, treatment and resources, delivering prevention and early intervention programs and advocating for the needs of those with eating disorders and body image issues.