U18 COMPETITION
As players mature, the game demands greater teamwork, decision-making, resilience and discipline. These years provide the opportunity for athletes to develop their technical ability, tactical awareness and leadership while enjoying the camaraderie and lifelong friendships that make rugby union unique.
Lightning Series
Growing in popularity season after season, the Lightning Series provides U18 players with the opportunity to participate in a fifteen-a-side, six (6) week competition.
Run on Sunday mornings, the competition is open to all clubs, regions and schools to enter teams.
Matches are played in a gala style, with a single host venue in week, and the location rotated amongst the participating clubs.
Recognition and Opportunity
Player of the Series
Throughout the series, team management will nominate players on a 3 - 2 - 1 point system with a Player of the Series being awarded at the conclusion of the competition.
Merit Team
At the conclusion of the competition, the U18 Dream Team will be selected and announced. The selected players will train as a squad and play a game against an invitational team - 2026 saw the Dream Team play against the NSW President XV team.
The selected team will also be invited to participate in a Reds Academy session.
** Selections will be convened and coordinated by Reds Academy staff and BJRU selectors.