Brooklyn Rugby Club Inc.

Overview

Brooklyn Rugby Club Inc. is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization supporting the Brooklyn Rugby Football Club, which was founded in 2007. The club is dedicated to promoting rugby in Brooklyn and fostering an inclusive community for players of all skill levels and backgrounds.

History

The Brooklyn Rugby Football Club was established by a group of former college and club players seeking to build a community-oriented rugby club in Brooklyn. At the time of its founding, there were no rugby teams in Brooklyn, despite the presence of several teams in other New York City boroughs. The club initially competed in the Metropolitan Rugby Football Union Division III and has since become part of the Empire Geographic Union.

Teams

Brooklyn Rugby operates three main teams:

• Men's 15s: The men's team competes in Division III of the Empire Geographic Union. They participate in competitive seasons in the fall and social development-focused seasons in the spring.
• Women's 15s (Hyenas): The women's team, known as the Brooklyn Hyenas, competes at the Division II level. They offer opportunities for players of all skill levels.
• Men's and Women's Sevens: Both men's and women's sevens teams participate in tournaments during the summer, competing against local and international teams.

Practices and Competitions

The club practices at Red Hook Park in southwest Brooklyn, with training sessions typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February to November. Matches are primarily played at Kaiser Park in Coney Island, with games often taking place within New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area.

Inclusivity

Brooklyn Rugby emphasizes inclusivity by welcoming players from diverse backgrounds, including trans and gender nonconforming individuals. The club promotes rugby as a sport accessible to everyone, regardless of prior experience or skill level.

Events and Activities

Beyond rugby matches, Brooklyn Rugby Club Inc. hosts various social events and fundraising activities throughout the year. These events often include community-oriented gatherings like watch parties and fundraisers, which help support the club's activities and growth.