Sense Rugby
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Discover the Power of Play: Sense Rugby at Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy
At Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy, we’re passionate about creating meaningful, fun, and goal-focused experiences for children and young people. That’s why we’re proud to offer Sense Rugby, a game-changing occupational therapy program that uses rugby-based activities to support emotional regulation, social connection, and gross motor skills.
What is Sense Rugby?
Sense Rugby is an evidence-informed program designed by occupational therapists and rugby professionals. It provides a safe, supportive environment for children who may find it difficult to participate in traditional team sports. This includes kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, learning difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges.
Unlike regular sports teams, Sense Rugby is all about participation over performance. It’s tailored to each child’s individual needs and helps them work on therapy goals—while having heaps of fun on the field.
How Does It Help?
Sense Rugby combines the power of sport with the expertise of occupational therapy. Here are some of the key benefits we see in children who take part in our program:
Improved Social Skills: Group activities and teamwork help build confidence, cooperation, and communication.
Better Emotional Regulation: Structured routines and familiar faces help children manage big emotions in a safe space.
Motor Skill Development: Through running, passing, catching, and navigating obstacles, kids develop gross motor coordination, strength, and balance.
Boost in Confidence: Children often leave sessions smiling, proud of their achievements, and eager to come back.
Increased Participation: For many families, Sense Rugby is their child’s first successful experience in a group physical activity.
Most importantly, children are supported by occupational therapists and trained allied health assistants, so every session is designed with clinical knowledge and therapeutic goals in mind.
Who Can Join?
Sense Rugby is suitable for children and teens aged 4 to 16 who would benefit from extra support in sport, social settings, or emotional regulation. Participants do not need to have played rugby before—just a willingness to give it a go!
We run groups in terms throughout the year in Nowra and surrounding areas, and our therapists work closely with families to ensure goals are tailored and progress is tracked.
How to Book
We’re currently taking bookings for our upcoming Sense Rugby term program. Spots fill quickly, so we encourage families to express interest early.
To register or find out more:
📧 Email: admin@shoalhavenot.au
📞 Call: (02) 4421 5000
💬 Or speak to your treating therapist at your next session
We also offer home programsfor clients who may not be ready to join a group or are waiting for a spot to become available.
Whether your child is looking for a new challenge or just needs a space where they feel safe to play, Sense Rugby could be the perfect fit. Let us help your child build confidence, make friends, and develop lifelong skills—one pass at a time.
