North Midlands RFU U18 Girls County Assessment
Season 2026/27
Dear Club Coaches,
I hope you are all well and that your season has gotten off to a good start.
As we approach this season’s U18 assessment and selection process, I thought it would be helpful to remind everyone of some of the key principles that underpin the process and are important in ensuring that we provide an equitable, fair and positive experience for all players.
Our aim, as always, is to hold well-planned and well-run assessment events. While not every player will ultimately be selected, we want every girl who attends to come away feeling that she has had a positive and worthwhile experience.
Assessment Day
Assessment will take place at:
Old Halesonians RFC
Sunday 1st November 2026 @ 1:00pm
Key Dates
Club player nominations – Sunday 18th October 2026
Please send your player nominations to me no later than Sunday 18th October.
Please do not nominate players simply to give them the “experience” of attending a County assessment day. The purpose of the assessment process is to identify players who are ready to be considered for the North Midlands U18 County Programme.
I would also strongly encourage club coaches to speak with both players and their parents/carers before nominating them, to ensure that they understand the commitment involved and are willing and able to attend all of the programme’s training sessions and games.
** PLEASE ENSURE YOU REMIND PLAYERS TO BRING ONE CURRENT PASSPORT SIZED PHOTO WITH THEM TO THE ASSESSMENT DAY. **
Player registration – Friday 23rd October 2026
Players/parents must complete the registration form by Friday 23rd October 2026.
This deadline will not be extended and late registrations cannot be accepted.
Please encourage parents/carers to complete the registration form as soon as possible rather than leaving it until the closing date.
The Process
The process is therefore:
1. Club coaches nominate players to North Midlands RFU (moiraboot@aol.com)
Deadline: Sunday 18th October 2026
2. Players/parents complete the registration form
Deadline: Friday 23rd October 2026
Registration form:
https://forms.gle/19WJp2YMzejgroPKA
Basic Criteria for Player Nominations
When considering players for nomination, please consider the following basic criteria:
Fitness
- Ability to walk, jog and sprint the width of the pitch.
- Ability to complete basic fitness exercises such as squats, lunges and planks.
Passing
- Ability to run with the ball securely in two hands.
- Ability to make a left- and right-handed 3m pass while jogging.
Contact
- Ability to perform safe side-on and front-on tackles.
- Understanding of rucks and safe clear-out technique.
Game Knowledge
- Understanding of offside and safe game play.
Coachability
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
- Ability to listen and take instruction.
- Discipline and positive attitude.
Kit and Safety Requirements
Players should arrive appropriately prepared for a rugby assessment:
- Please wear appropriate rugby clothing. NO lycra or gym shorts. IRB regulation shorts only (no pockets).
- No tops with hoods to be worn.
- Gum shields must be worn
- All jewellery must be removed before assessments commence.
- False nails, including gel and acrylic nails, are not permitted.
These requirements are in place for player safety. Players who are not appropriately equipped may not be able to participate in the assessment activities.
What to Expect on the Day
MEMTME – Many Eyes, Many Times, Many Environments.
The assessment process will involve a team of coaches and independent assessors. Players will be assessed across a range of areas, including:
- Skill zones
- Conditioned games
- Athletic skills
- Core rugby skills
- Game understanding
- Coachability and overall approach
Players will be seen by different assessors and in different environments throughout the day. This allows us to build as broad and balanced a picture of each player as possible.
Our intention is to make the process as fair, independent and consistent as we can, giving every player the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do.
Feedback
Due to the number of players involved in the assessment process, we will not be able to provide individual written feedback to players who are unsuccessful on this occasion.
However, if parents, players or coaches have questions following the assessment, please speak to one of the coaches at the end of the session and we will be happy to provide appropriate verbal feedback where possible.
The most important thing for us is that every player who attends feels welcomed, respected and has had a positive experience, regardless of the eventual selection outcome.
If you have any queries or questions regarding the nomination, registration or assessment process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thank you, as always, for your support in helping us make the process a positive one for the girls.
Kindest regards,
Moira Boot
Women & Girls Lead
North Midlands RFU
07889 020 233
Liz Simon
U18 Girls Team Manager
North Midlands RFU
07752 153 579
