Start a Rugby Club

Starting a Rugby Club at your High School

For an extensive guide on how to start a rugby club in your high school, download "THE BRYANT MODEL - How To Start A High School Rugby Program - That Will Thrive Beyond Your Leadership Term" by Phillip C. Bryant, MBA (aka CPT Crunch).

How to Start a Rugby Club

Goals

• Teach Rugby
• Create a safe positive program
• Showcase rugby to the community

Steps to Start a HS Team

• Present an organized plan to the Activities/Athletics Director (AD)
• Apply for club status and secure a teacher advisor to help monitor the program
• Show the league structure the club would compete in
• Show the AD the number of players that want to play rugby
• Recruit players: Show videos, have pizza parties, put up posters, advertise
• Secure support from a local men's club (s) or local college team for clinics

Points to be stressed to the AD

• Rugby is a global and popular sport of athletes
• Camaraderie and respect for players and referees
• Low costs to start a program.  Rugby is less expensive than major sports
• Benefits it can bring to other sports
• Increased student participation in athletics

Motivating Students to Play

• Play a rugby video at lunchtime in a popular student hangout
• Promote rugby to wrestlers and football players as an exciting springtime sport

Fundraising

• Charge players a small fee
• Donations
• Sell merchandise
• Sell ad space in yearbook

Getting Parents Involved

• Encourage parents to see games
• Explain sportsmanship and sideline behavior
• Teach the game
• Delegate responsibilities to parents and coaches: fundraising, alumni contacts, yearbook, home game cookouts, snacks, etc.