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 |
| 10:00 | Group stage begins | U8 · U10 · U12 |
| 17:00 | End of play — Day 1 | All |
| Evening | Team evening (parents & coaches) | Optional |
Sunday, 20 June 2027
| Time | Programme | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Quarter-finals and placement matches begin | All |
| 12:30 | Final matches begin | U8 · U10 · 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
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. 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.
Lunch is planned on both tournament days for all registered players, coaches and accompanying staff. It costs EUR 8 per person per meal and is charged in addition to the team fee. We will ask for the final number of people and any dietary requirements after confirmation.
Still have questions?
Contact
For questions about registration, the tournament or accommodation, just reach out.
