Play Rugby At Northwestern
Please email any of the following people with any questions:
Coach Hamilton - Head Coach -
nu.mensrugby@gmail.com
Ross Epstein - President -
nu.mensrugby@gmail.com
Matthew Singer - Captain -
nu.mensrugby@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is rugby?
Click here for information.
Why play rugby?
It's fun, physical, and memorable. Rugby is a growing sport in USA and globally very strong for its combination of football-like and soccer-like attributes. Many people switch from basketball, football, soccer, etc. to rugby and never look back.
Are there tryouts for the team? How do I join the team?
As a club team at Northwestern, Northwestern rugby does not hold tryouts; anyone wanting to play
rugby can join the team. To join the team, simply email Coach Hamilton or Mike Zhang with an interest in playing
or just show up to one of our practices.
When and where is practice?
During the fall and spring seasons, Northwestern Rugby practices at 5 PM every Tuesday and Thursday on Long Field. Practice is usually one and a half to two hours. During certain weeks, quick run-through practices are held on Friday afternoons before games.
When are games? How many games are there? Who do we play?
Northwestern Rugby traditionally plays against a schedule of around 5-6 teams from around the Chicago area in a league called CARFU. This league includes Depaul, Loyola Chicago, UIC, NIU, University of Chicago, etc. Games are usually Saturdays at around noon to early afternoon. Occasionally games can be on Sunday and the squad usually travels to a couple weekend tournaments during the year.
I have never played rugby before. Will I not fit in with the team since I have no experience?
Northwestern Rugby is made up of players of all experience levels. Many members never played rugby in high school and picked it up for the first time in college. Many are converted football players while others played a miscellaneous group of sports in high school not related to rugby at all. As long as one wants to play a physical sport and try something new, one will be fine. Rugby gets picked up quickly and the basics are taught in practice. Both "A" and "B" games are held against CARFU opponents, so all members of the team will play!
What will I need?
Cleats (football or soccer are fine) that have no toe cleat, a mouthguard, and endurance. Rugby is a physical sport that lasts for 80 minutes with little stoppage time and requires endurance to last a full game. Although conditioning is held during practice, one is recommended to condition on one's own as well in preparation for game action.
What are the fees?
As a club, Northwestern Rugby charges dues for each season. It costs $30 to join the USARugby Union and get CIPPed (put on official roster). There is also a small additional amount of dues for the team itself that pays for transportation, post-game socials, etc. The dues are TBA but are very small (one of the lowest of all clubs at Northwestern).