High School

Team

Do you want to learn how to play rugby? The Rockford Ravens Rugby Football Club is starting a high school program to play rugby! This is an area wide club not limited to specific high schools. It is designated a U-19 club. High School Rugby has been played in Illinois continuously since 1998. Rugby union, a sport renowned for its physicality and strategic gameplay, originated in England during the 19th century. Legend attributes its inception to a moment at Rugby School in 1823 when William Webb Ellis purportedly ran with the ball during a football match, symbolizing the divergence from conventional rules. The establishment of the Rugby Football Union in 1871 formalized the game, leading to the first international match between England and Scotland. Rugby union is a rapidly growing sport in the United States. It is estimated that over 28,000 teens participate in high school rugby programs in the United States. The United States was named to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup. Both the boys and girls team play a competitive season in the spring. The spring season ends with the state championship. There is a fall developmental season of friendly matches. There are opportunities to play rugby in the summer. High School rugby in Illinois is NOT an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sanctioned sport. High school rugby in Illinois is sanctioned by Rugby Illinois (AKA Illinois Youth Rugby Association – IYRA). As such it is not bound by the policies, processes and rules of the IHSA. Use the link below to view/download the Rugby Illinois Handbook for Coaches and Parents. It is full of good information and will answer many of your questions. Rugby Illinois Handbook for Coaches and Parents Use the link below to fill out a contact form. We will use this information to contact you to answer any of your questions then sign you up to play rugby. High School player contact form Contact information: Eric Hipp Youth Coordinator/Head Coach email: rockfordravenshs@gmail.com mobile: (312) 985-6555 Find out more about the Rockford Ravens: Rockford Ravens IG Rockford Ravens FB