Campus & Community

Rugby Club Sports Team Strengthens Global Connections

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, By Gabrielle Lake
Players from two rugby teams, one in green and black stripes and another in blue and orange stripes, are actively competing in a night match on a well-lit field.

ϲ’s Rugby Club Sports team takes on the Seapoint Rugby Club in a match in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Wendy Cornell)

Most often recognized by athletes running ball in hand, wearing no pads or helmets and close-contact nature, the sport of Rugby has witnessed increasing global popularity throughout the past decades.

A group of ϲ rugby players in a huddle on the field at night, wearing orange and blue jerseys.

The Rugby Club Sports team huddles up during a match in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Wendy Cornell)

“I enjoy the sense of community and belonging. I also appreciate the opportunity to play competitive sports in college,” says Mark Nash ’23 G’24, ϲ Rugby Club Sports team member. “This is not something that my friends at other schools have the opportunity to do, besides the ones playing NCAA sports.”

Unique to the ϲ Rugby Club Sports team is their strong Leinster Rugby partnership. As an international leader in the club sport, Leinster Rugby boasts countless competition successes as one of the top teams in European rugby. The Leinster partnership offers ϲ Rugby Club Sports athletes access to exclusive coaching, skill development and competitions.

“We are in collaboration with the most successful youth and player development program in the world. How special is that?” says Bob Wilson, ϲ Rugby Club Sports team coach, faculty advisor, previous player and avid supporter since 1970. “We have a professional coach from that environment working with us on a full-time basis, bringing techniques and culture, which have supported successful performance at the highest levels. The collaboration has, in a few short months, already created interest and engagement in the growing U.S. and global rugby communities, leading to increased student applications and summer camp participation. This further places the Leinster brand and ϲ Rugby Club Sports at the forefront as rugby in the U.S. grows rapidly, and globally, we prepare for the U.S.A Men’s World Cup Competition in 2031 and the women’s in 2033.”

A group of people gathered in the Leinster Rugby headquarters, standing on and around a staircase, surrounded by trophies and rugby memorabilia.

The Rugby Club Sports team gathers at Leinster Rugby’s facility on the University College Dublin campus. (Photo by Wendy Cornell)

A highlight of the 2023-24 ϲ Rugby Club Sports season was the team’s trip to Ireland to further collaborate with their Leinster Rugby partner. Over the Spring Break trip, members of the ϲ Rugby Club Sports team attended sessions conducted by Leinster coaches, participated in rigorous training schedules, and attended international competitions while also exploring Ireland’s rich culture and landscapes.  In addition to Ireland, past team trips have included Argentina, England, Portugal, Scotland and Spain.

“The trip to Ireland supports ϲ’s goal to provide an international experience for all students. Dublin illustrates the joy and values of international collaboration,” says Wilson. “The ϲ Rugby Club Sports team has enhanced the student life for over 50 years through a challenging athletic experience as part of an enthusiastic, supportive group, creating strong, lifelong bonds.”

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 events will be available on the . Students interested in joining are invited to learn more on the or by visiting .

Group of athletes posing for a photo in a gym with a banner reading "Strength in Numbers" in the background.

ϲ’s Rugby Club Sports team poses for a group photo at Leinster Rugby’s facility. (Photo by Wendy Cornell)