Rugby officials on P.E.I. want to get more younger kids playing the sport, in addition to the high school, university and older adult teams.

Starting Tuesday, the Mudmen Rugby Club is offering rookie rugby camps to seven to 12 year-olds.

Introducing rugby at an early age will provide more experienced players for the future which will help to grow the sport, said Justin Ellis of the Mudmen.

"Probably the overall goal is for our sport not to be considered a fringe sport or an odd sport anymore," said Ellis.

"You want to just have it be just as regular an option as soccer and hockey. You want it to be present in Montague, in Summerside and in Charlottetown and just kind of be a normal option for kids to try."

Training and equipment has already been given to some elementary and junior high teachers, said Ellis, who plan to offer rookie rugby during gym classes this fall.