Information
Everything you need to know · Räuber Cup 2027
Official rulebooks
Match Format
The Räuber Cup uses age-appropriate formats based on the official tournament rulebooks. The full rule sheets are available as PDF downloads — in German, English and French.
U8
Up to 8 years
- Format 5 v 5
- Substitutions Rolling (re-entry allowed)
- Ball Size 3
- Pitch 30 × 20 m
- Playing time up to 75 min / 7 games
- Kicking Not allowed
- Scrum No scrum
- Hand-off Allowed
- Lineout None – short restart
U10
Up to 10 years
- Format 7 v 7
- Substitutions Rolling (re-entry allowed)
- Ball Size 3
- Pitch 50 × 30 m
- Playing time up to 105 min / 7 games
- Kicking Allowed
- Scrum No scrum
- Hand-off Allowed
- Lineout None – short restart
U12
Up to 12 years
- Format 10 v 10
- Substitutions Rolling (re-entry allowed)
- Ball Size 4
- Pitch 56 × 45 m
- Playing time up to 130 min / 7 games
- Kicking Allowed
- Scrum Passive scrum, 5 players (3/2)
- Hand-off Allowed
- Lineout Thrower + 2–4 jumpers + lifter
Detailed rules
Rules in Detail
U8 — 5 v 5
Equipment
Mouthguard mandatory. No shoulder pads, no screw-in studs.
Kicking
Not allowed.
Hand-off (attacker)
Allowed with an open palm. Not to the head or neck.
Charging (attacker)
The ball carrier may not deliberately run into a stationary opponent or lead with the upper body on contact.
Tackling (defender)
Must be made with both arms, only between waist and feet. 1-on-1 only, no frontal double tackle (2-on-1). No stripping the ball.
Uncontested Ruck
If the ball is loose on the ground after a tackle, it may be picked up. If an attacker steps over the ball, possession stays with the attacking team — no counter-ruck.
Body-roll
No moving an opponent out of the ruck via body-roll.
Squeeze ball
No diving head-first to the ground to squeeze the ball back through the legs.
Set-piece situations
| Situation | Where | How |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive line | Always 5 m away | |
| Short restart | 5 m from the touchline | Short tap with the foot |
| Kick-off / restart | Centre of the pitch. Restart taken by the scoring team. | Drop kick, min. 5 m; quick tap possible |
| Sanction for infringements (no scrum) | At the point of the infringement, 5 m from the touchline | Short tap |
| Touch (ball out of play) (no lineout) | At the point the touchline was crossed, 5 m from the touchline | Short tap |
| Ball grounded in the in-goal area | 5 m in front of the goal line, level with the point of grounding | Short tap |
| Kick into touch-in-goal | At the point of the kick | Short tap |
19–20 June 2027
Schedule
The exact schedule will be published on Tournify once all registrations are complete. Below is the provisional day-by-day plan.
Saturday, 19 June 2027
| Time | Programme | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Team arrival & registration | All |
| 09:00 | Opening ceremony | All |
| 09:30 | Group stage begins | U8 · U10 |
| 10:00 | Group stage begins | U12 |
| 12:30 | Lunch break & catering | All |
| 14:00 | Group stage continues | All |
| 17:00 | End of play — Day 1 | All |
| Evening | Team evening (parents & coaches) | Optional |
Sunday, 20 June 2027
| Time | Programme | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Semi-finals | All |
| 11:00 | 3rd-place play-off | All |
| 12:00 | Final | U8 · U10 |
| 13:00 | Final | U12 |
| 14:00 | Award & medal ceremony | All |
| 14:30 | Closing ceremony & departure | All |
Rugby department, Rudergesellschaft Heidelberg 1898 e.V.
Getting There & Parking
Address
Rudergesellschaft Heidelberg 1898 e.V. – Rugby Department (TO BE CONFIRMED)
Harbigweg 9
69124 Heidelberg
By Car
Parking at the stadium is limited.
Please use the Park & Ride facilities where possible.
By Public Transport
From Heidelberg main station by S-Bahn / bus. Info: rnv-online.de
Accommodation
Hotels in Heidelberg: please book early. Recommendations available by email on request.
The Räuber Cup 2027 takes place on the club grounds of Rudergesellschaft Heidelberg 1898 e.V. – Rugby Department (TO BE CONFIRMED). Club logo and imagery used courtesy of the club.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
U8 + U10: No shoulder pads, no screw-in studs.
U12: No shoulder pads. Mouthguard mandatory. Head guard optional.
U10: Max. 13 players per team.
U12: Max. 20 players per team.
All categories: rolling substitutions during stoppages. Substituted players may return to the field.
Still have questions?
Contact
For questions about registration, the tournament or accommodation, just reach out.
Email
info@raeubercup.com
