Highlanders Rugby

So your son wants to play rugby - What now?  Is it safe?  Why is it a club? Here are some answers to these and many other common parental concerns.  Please feel free to call Coach Ryan Kelly at 602.670.9063 if you have any questions.

What is rugby?

Rugby is the second-largest sport in the world by player numbers.  It ranks behind only soccer in worldwide popularity.  In the United States more colleges field rugby teams than football teams.  Unlike football and other popular U.S. high school sports, all rugby in the United States is under one central governing body that sets rules, guidelines and standards - the United States Rugby Football Union.  The USARFU has considerable information regarding the game and high school participation: USARFU site and information>

Rugby is a contact sport like American football and wrestling.  Significant studies have shown that rugby is as safe or safer than sports such as American football.   A link is available below for an article in regard to safety issues.  In addition, the USARFU website has an entire section devoted to the sport's safety record, including a comprehensive comparative injury study spanning 2005-2006.

Why is it a club sport?

In some places in the United States (such as the San Francisco area), rugby enjoys high school sports status similar to football. However, rugby is not an AIA sport in Arizona.  As a result, Arizona high school rugby is a club sport under the umbrella of the United States Rugby Football Union.  The USARFU has guidelines and requirements for all HS rugby clubs and coaches.  Highlanders Rugby is a USARFU-sanctioned rugby club.  Alan Weber is an elite-level Arizona rugby coach who has coached at the select-side level for many years. 

What are the commitments?

Rugby does require the commitment of both its players and families.  The team practices every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30pm at the Thunderbird School of Management.  Games are played on various weekends against other Phoenix-area HS teams.  Players should also train (translation - run!) every Monday and Wednesday to improve fitness level - rugby is one of the best sports in the world for cardio fitness.  In addition, because rugby is a club sport, fundraisers are sometimes held that require player and parent participation.  All players must have a USARFU player (CIPP) card to participate.  In addition, dues are $50 per semester to help defray team costs.  Players must also obtain equipment - fortunately rugby only requires shorts, socks, jerseys, cleats and mouthguards!  Overall the costs are significantly less than other club sports for high school athletes.

Who are the coaches?

Please see our coaches page for backgrounds of our club coaches.