Interested in finding out more? Think you might want to join? Can't wait to put the boots on again? Shoot our New Recruit Coordinator (Emily Smith) an e-mail at play4nywomen@newyorkrugby.com and we'll answer all your burning questions.
We train for our Spring (March - June) and Fall (August - November) XV's season on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. In June-July we play 7s and enter 4-5 7s tournaments over the course of those 2 months. And we have indoor off-season training in the winter - so no matter what time of year it is, chances are we're playing rugby and would love to have you join us!
And here are a few FAQs we hear a lot to get you started....
When is practice?
It all depends on what time of year it is, but we're doing something almost year round - in general, practices are Tuesday and Thursday evenings (in the winter and summer, they might be either Tuesday OR Thursday...but those are the nights we try to stick with).
Where is practice?
As you might guess, field space is a rare commodity in NYC...even more so when it needs to have lights because we practice in the evenings. We frequently have practices at one or more of the new turf fields on Randall's Island - so make sure to contact Emily(email above) and watch this website to find out the details
What do I need to wear for practice?
Ideally you'll have a pair of cleats (soccer cleats are fine), rugby shorts, a rugby jersey, and a mouthguard. But don't worry if you don't have all that stuff yet...for your first practice all you really need is a pair of sneakers, the sturdiest shorts you own, and a T-shirt and sweatshirt (in case it is cold). Don't wear anything you'd be sad about getting dirty and/or ripped. And always always always bring some water - rugby is physically demanding - hydration is a must.
I've never played before / it's been a really long time since I played - can I still join?
Absolutely! We have people join us every season who have never played before. We field 2 full teams nearly every weekend, so everyone that comes to practice gets a chance to play. Just be willing to work hard at practices and you'll find that between our head and assistant coaches, not to mention your veteran teammates, there will always be someone ready and willing to help you out with the basics.
Club member dues are $150 per spring or fall season ($75 for full time students) and you need to have at least arranged for and started a payment plan with our dues mistress (Lara Vivolo) to be eligible for selections for games and to take part in practices. First-time members will receive a free team T shirt with completed dues payment! Note that there are no dues for summer play, but you will be asked to cover your own costs for travel to tournaments etc.You can pay your dues online with a credit card or directly from your checking account here (please note a small fee that PayPal charges us for each transaction is included):
EVERYONE has to register as a player with USA Rugby. It costs $35 per year and is called "getting CIPPed", and it means you are a member of USA Rugby, our sport's national governing body. You have to register to be able to play rugby in this country for insurance and general regulation reasons. And as part of the CIPP process, you have to sign off on the fact that you have HEALTH INSURANCE. We cannot allow anyone to practice or play without insurance - it's USA Rugby's rule and we think it is a good one.
