Bringing together women with a love for sport and social traditions, the Wisconsin Women's Rugby Football Club was created in 1975. Originally as a combined team with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Women, the team has a long history of success on and off the rugby pitch.

Sponsors

We are sponsored by Wilson's Bar and Grill (2144 Atwood Ave., Madison - Map & Directions) and Michelob Ultra. We hold all of our third-half socials and fundraisers at Wilson's, where we love Randy and his staff. It's one of Madison's best local hangouts! We also greatly appreciate the local support of the Monkey Bar Gym (600 Williamson St., Madison) and our team trainer Chad.

If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting our team, please contact our Webmaster.

Team News

For the latest news updates on our team and women's rugby teams around Wisconsin, visit our team news blog - Women's Rugby of Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check out Rugby and join the team?
The best way to learn more about rugby and the WWRFC is to attend a practice or come watch a game. You'll meet the players and can start learning the basics right away. Contact our Recruiters through the Join Our Team page for more information.

Why Should I play Rugby?
Rugby is a fun and competitive sport with a long history of social and athletic traditions. It's a great way to stay in shape, meet new people and have fun. It's also one of the United State's fastest growing amateur sports and the World's most popular contact sport.

What do you wear to play Rugby?
Rugby is a full-contact sport that is played without padding. In games and practice, we wear sturdy rugby shorts, shirts (like a traditional rugby polo or a soccer jersey), knee-high socks and cleated boots (soccer or rugby shoes). Players are also encouraged to wear mouth guards. Overall, we dress similarly to soccer players but our uniforms are more durable for tackling.

How do most people start playing Rugby? Do I need any experience?
Most rugby players, men and women alike, have no experience playing rugby when they first attend a practice or game. It is very common for players to start in college, but currently our team is comprised of equal parts players who started in college and players who learned rugby first with our team. No experience is required to play rugby.

What's the difference between American Football and Rugby?
We don't play football. We play rugby! American football is derived from rugby. The major differences are that rugby is a game of possession (you want to keep the ball) versus a game of yardage. There are no downs in rugby and you move the ball down the field through lateral passes behind the line of scrimmage (where the ball is) or kicking, rather than forward passes to receivers. In rugby, because you are not wearing padding, you are also taught to tackle with personal safety in mind and there is no blocking.

Specifically for women, rugby can provide you with a more flexible schedule and less costly athletic team than professional football, hockey or other options. As an amateur sport played on a global scale, it is also possible to play into higher levels of rugby such as Midwest, National and World Cup teams for both women and men.

What is the WWRFC's typical schedule like?
There are two official rugby seasons - Fall (League) and Spring (Non-League, Developmental). Rugby players can compete all year round or just a few months out of the year depending on their availability. In season, we practice twice weekly and then hold games on Saturdays.

We play a four-game league 15-a-side season in the fall, which if successful, can lead to play in the Midwest Division I Tournament, the National Sweet 16s Tournament and a chance at the USA Rugby Final Four Tournament. We will also usually play 1-2 "Friendlies" or games against non-league opponents.

In the spring, we enjoy traveling as a 15-a-side team to a fun, warm-climate tournament, such as Savannah's (GA) St. Patrick's Day Tournament and play a schedule of 4-6 Friendlies against teams in the Midwest.

The summer rugby season is our "off-season" but many WWRFC players continue to compete in 7-a-side and 10-a-side social and premier tournaments througout the Midwest, in addition to hosting our own 10s tournament in August.

During the winter months, we hold optional weekly training sessions to provide players with a means of staying in shape, but do not compete as a team.

How much does it cost to play rugby?
Not much compared to other sports. A new player will pay $35 to CIPP themselves with USA Rugby (mandatory) and $25 to the WWRFC to cover player costs. You are responsible for purchasing your own shoes, shorts and socks (prices vary and are affordable) and some travel costs. The WWRFC holds fundraisers to help defray other costs for travel, equipment, socials, league dues, etc.

Other Questions?
E-mail us with any questions or issues at ww_rfc@yahoo.com.