Thank you for your interest in the NZ Junior Rugby Festival 2026
Please read the key terms and information and fill out your club's details. ( ONE PER CLUB )

Note: Filling out this application does not guarantee your place in the Festival. We will confirm your place once we have reviewed all applications in the grades your club is applying for.

VENUE: Queenstown Events Centre

DATES: 28th - 30th August 2026

Minimum Number of Players
U10s & U11s: 15 players minimum
U12s & U13s: 22 players minimum
No exceptions

Age Groups
Age grades are based on the player's age as of 1st Jan 2026
U10s = Born 2016 or after
U11s = Born 2015 or after
U12s = Born 2014 or after
U13s = Born 2013 or after

Dispensations
Each Queenstown team may include two dispensation players per game, with only one dispensation player permitted on the field simultaneously. Dispensation players have a weight cap of:

• 8kg above the grade weight for Under 10 & 11 players
• 10kg above the grade weight for Under 12 & 13 players

Global Games is built on four core pillars: Enjoyment, Sustainability, Sportsmanship and Empowerment. How does your club plan to contribute to these values and enrich the festival experience for everyone involved?

2026 Global Games NZ Junior Rugby Festival Sign-up Terms

1. Deposits
   
   • A $500 deposit per team is required to secure your place.
   • The deposit is deducted from your entry fee ($95 per player) and is not an extra cost.
   • Deposits are due within 7 days of sign-up.

2. Financial hardship
   
   • Clubs facing genuine financial barriers may request flexibility on payment dates.
   • Please email a note from your club committee outlining the request and proposed payment date.

    

3. Entry limits and grade locking
   
   • Entries are capped by region. In some regions, not every team can be accepted.
   • Grades will lock earlier so draws and health and safety plans can be finalised.
   • If team sheets or entry fees are not received by the due dates, the club will be removed and the place offered to a waitlisted team.
   • Grade changes during the season require formal approval and may result in the loss of your place.

    

4. Club commitment and contacts
   
   • All teams must have full club approval to attend.
   • Clubs entering more than two teams must send a committee member or senior club representative who is responsible for all club teams and supporters during the festival and who attends the management meeting.
   • If your club takes more than three team places, you must bring a referee. They may be part of a team and will not be allocated to referee that team’s games. Referees receive a uniform to keep, plus lunch and snacks throughout the weekend.
   • Each club must nominate one single point of contact for all Global Games communications. Please do not have multiple managers, coaches, parents, or partners contacting us separately.

    

5. Behaviour standards
   
   • While at the festival and in host regions, all players, management, and supporters represent their club and Global Games.
   • Negative behaviour on or off-site (including at accommodation and activity providers) may affect your club’s points and eligibility for future festivals.
   • Global Games has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs, and glass at all venues. Any breach may result in removal from the event and disqualification from future participation.

    

6. Attendance and festival commitment
   
   • All teams must commit to attending for the full festival duration, including opening and closing ceremonies.
   • Exceptions for late arrivals or early departures cannot be accommodated due to the complexity of the draw and scheduling.

    

7. Health and safety
   
   • Each team must have a designated first-aider who is present and identifiable throughout the festival.
   • All clubs must ensure players and management follow venue and safety guidelines at all times.

    

8. Entry review and preference
   
   • Entry consideration may be based on your club’s history with Global Games and prior seasons’ sportsmanship points. 

    

9. Refunds and withdrawals
   
   • Withdrawals incur a $150 admin fee.
   • If your team withdraws after 1 March, the club forfeits 100% of the deposit.
   • Refunds are not available in the event of extreme weather or cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control.
   • All teams must prepare for variable weather conditions.

    

10. Team information and payments
    
    • Team sheets are due by 1 May. Changes can be made until 1 July with Global Games approval.
    • Full entry fees are due by 1 June.

     

11. Zero-waste policy
    
    • Each club must set up waste and recycling stations at its team base for sorting recyclables and organic waste.
    • All recycling must be pre-sorted before being taken to the Without Waste tent.
    • Global Games operates zero-waste events. If you bring general waste, you must remove it from the venue. Clubs are expected to pack in and pack out anything that is not recyclable or compostable.
    • We accept all recyclables and food vendor packaging sold on site. Clubs that leave waste behind may be declined entry the following year.

     

12. Media, photography, and social media
    
    • By participating in Global Games events, clubs and teams grant permission for Global Games and its partners to capture and use photographs, video, and digital content featuring players, coaches, and supporters for promotional, educational, and social media purposes.
    • Clubs are responsible for obtaining consent from parents or guardians of all players prior to participation and must notify Global Games in writing if any players are not to be photographed or filmed.
    • Global Games will take reasonable care to respect any notified restrictions but accepts no liability for incidental inclusion of participants in wider event footage or photography.
    • Clubs and supporters must ensure that any images shared on their own social media channels are appropriate, respectful, and align with the values of Global Games.