our team
The Hogs are a diverse group, ranging in age from 18 to 70, with the majority of players between 21 and 35 years old. The players comprise a mix of local professionals, UF graduate and professional students, and Santa Fe College undergraduates. We have players on the team with as much as 20 years of experience, but the majority of our players are homegrown, having learned rugby here in Gainesville with the Hogs. Once you're a Hog, you're a Hog for life.
We primarily play our "competitive" matches in the spring and use the fall season to "warm up" for spring league play. Regardless, we always have a good time and a good match. Typically, we play on Saturdays at 2 PM, unless otherwise specified. Please refer to the schedule for up-to-date match and practice information. Our local pub is Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar, downtown off of University Ave.
We encourage anyone who's interested to join us at any time during the season. If you're not in shape, don't worry about it. It's like waiting until you're in shape to join a gym – it may never happen, so join us now. Our dues to play are $75 per season, in addition to self-registration with USA Rugby, which offers some accident protection. To play, you'll need a mouthguard, cleats, shorts, and socks, and we provide jerseys and warm-up shirts.
Please contact one of our officers for more information and to learn how you too can become a Hog!
What is rugby?
Rugby is a team sport that delivers significant social and health benefits. It can also be a physically demanding sport and players should be physically and mentally prepared, and understand how to play safely. It is the responsibility of all - players, coaches and parents - to ensure that a positive, safe, enjoyable environment is created where ALL players will be able to reach their fullest potential, and that – whatever form of the game you play - the training and education materials and equipment are there to support everyone in creating that environment.
The 3 key rugby rules beneficial to know when coming out to a Gainesville Rugby training or watching rugby:
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All passes are lateral or backwards. You need to be lateral or backwards from someone to receive the ball. You cannot block and after you pass, you want to get back into a position to receive the ball. Make your passes with two hands.
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Once tackled, you must release the ball. Play continues even though you release the ball and when releasing the ball, the idea is to place it backwards towards your team. Only players with the ball can get tackled.
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The ball can be kicked at any time and if you are in front of the ball when it is kicked by your teammate, you must retreat behind the the kicker or any player that was behind the kicker during the kick.
Click for the full set of the laws (rules) of rugby
New players
The following is a short primer for players who are new to our club. We welcome all new rugby recruits; our player age ranges from 18 to 72, with an average age of approximately 24-26 in the club. We have plenty of players who had never played rugby before joining our club. Our team culture emphasizes remaining positive and united, so please be aware of this when you attend your first training.
Our schedule for matches and training is posted on our events page. Attendance at training and matches is expected as much as possible. Priority in playing time goes to those who attend training and can make matches. We primarily send out information through our Teamsnap app. You will be allowed to join once you've attended a local training.
Before your first game, you need to register with USA Rugby. This registration includes membership with USA Rugby and some health coverage. The cost is approximately $100 and runs from September 1 to August 31. To register, visit this site and register with the Gainesville Rugby Club.
Depending on when you join the club, we charge dues to cover the cost of social post-match events, which include food and beer, as well as referee fees, facility fees, and equipment fees. Usually, dues are $75 for the fall and $75 for the spring. If finances are an issue for you, we have options for working with the Treasurer and the club regarding payment plans and fundraising. Don't let money hold you back from playing rugby with us; please talk to our Treasurer. We offer multiple fundraising opportunities, and those who cannot pay dues can contribute more by assisting with our fundraisers. Dues in the fall include a warm-up t-shirt, and dues in the spring include a polo shirt.
If you have additional questions, please refer to the contact page.
