Courtesy of Hanson Lu
Rugby is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the United States. America has about 3,100 clubs and 80,000 registered players, standing at the third-largest player pool in the world. Many factors contribute to its growing popularity, starting with the fact that it attracts a considerable number of female athletes compared to sports like football or baseball. Another element is how there is a place and position for everyone. Rugby is not like volleyball or basketball, which are geared towards taller players, or football and wrestling, which require more muscular athletes. Rugby benefits and requires every body type for its wide selection of different plays. National interest in rugby has increased by 20% between 2019 and 2023, and the Men’s Rugby World Cup was up 200% compared to 10 years ago. With its inclusivity, rising popularity, and increasing media presence, rugby is on track to become a staple of American sports culture. As more athletes and fans embrace the game, the future of rugby in the U.S. looks brighter than ever.
Conn has a unique opportunity to capitalize on this momentum and the love players have for the sport. By expanding the club team to a full varsity sports program, the college can unlock dramatic strides in its sports reputation. Rugby is relatively inexpensive to start—requiring no more than mouthguards, headgear, and a ball—making it an accessible option for institutions looking to diversify their sports offerings. Afterward, rugby posts can be attached to the top of soccer goals and be transported with ease to have a fully fledged game. With a wealth of untapped talent evident in schools nationwide, Conn is well-positioned to become a trailblazer in the sport.
In a recent conversation with Sam Dickerman ‘27 and Claire Hlotyak ‘27, the President and Co-captains of Conn’s Women’s/Nonbinary Rugby Club, they noted that many team members are newcomers to the sport—a norm that speaks to the vast reservoir of hidden talent waiting to be discovered. “If students and Conn recognize that it’s a valuable investment and commit both resources and respect to the sport, rugby will repay them with championship success,” Hlotyak ‘27 remarked. Another point brought up was the respect you will find within the game. Whether at a high school level or a DI University, the tight-knit communities and high regard for the sport will still be found. Players understand that it is for fun and they are all there to get better, an attitude lost in other sports like basketball or football.
Rugby is widely regarded as among the most respectful sports due to its strong traditions of integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship. Unlike in most other sports, rugby players are taught from a young age to respect referees and always conduct themselves in a respectful manner. The game is physical and requires toughness, but foul play, flopping, and incessant complaining are not tolerated, fostering a culture of fairness. Rugby’s equality, which necessitates the participation of players of all shapes and sizes, develops close teamwork and mutual respect among teammates. The practice of post-match socialization, also known as “the third half,” serves to create camaraderie among opposing teams. It is a world fraternity where players and teams bond in a common love of the sport’s traditions through jersey swaps, dinners, and friendships. This unique combination of respect for authority, fair play, teamwork, and camaraderie makes rugby a sport built on integrity.
Matt Fuentes ‘26, captain of the Men’s Rugby team, echoes this sentiment of deep-rooted respect: “While rugby can seem pretty barbaric, the core element of respect within the game truly sets it apart. My favorite tradition is that after every intense match or tournament, teams come together and socialize over food and drinks as if they hadn’t just been fiercely competing moments before.”
With such powerful traditions and an inviting atmosphere, rugby is a sport waiting to be fully discovered and experienced by many at Conn. Matt, Sam, and Claire warmly encourage anyone curious about rugby to join at least one practice or attend a match to witness the sport firsthand. Practices are open to all and held every Wednesday and Friday from 4-6 PM on Tempel Green for both the men’s and women’s teams. Embrace the opportunity—perhaps rugby might just become your new passion.
