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 of age. The players are mix of local professionals, UF graduate and professional students, and Santa Fe College undergraduates. We have players on the team with as many as 20 years experience, but the majority of our players are home grown, in that they learned rugby here in Gainesville with the Hogs. Once a Hog, you are a Hog for Life.
We play the majority of 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 have a good match. We usually play Saturdays at 2 PM unless otherwise noted. See schedule for up to date match and practice information. Our local pub is Big Top Brewing Company located Downtown Gainesville off of SE 2nd Ave.
We encourage anyone who is interested to join us at any time during the season. If you are not in shape, do not worry about it. It’s like waiting until you are 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. In order to play you 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 new to our club. We welcome all new rugby recruits, our player age ranges from 18 to 72, with an average age of about 24-26 on the club. We have plenty of players who have never played rugby before joining our club. Our team culture is to remain positive and united, so please be aware of this when you come out to 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. Playing priority goes to those that attend training and can make matches. We send out information primarily through our Teamsnap app. You will only be allowed to join once you have come to a local training.
Before your first game, you will need to register with USA Rugby. This registration includes a membership to USA Rugby and some health coverage. The cost is approximately $100 and runs from September 1 to Aug 31. To register, go to the this site and register with the Gainesville Rugby Club.
Pending upon when you join the club, we charge dues that help pay for the cost of the social post-match, that includes food and beer, as well as referee fees, facility fees, and equipment fees. Usually dues are $75 for fall and $75 for spring, but if money is an issue for you, we have ways to work with the Treasurer and the club in payment plans and fundraising. Do not let money hold you back from playing rugby with us, please talk to our Treasurer. We have multiple fundraising opportunities, and those that cannot pay dues assist more 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 reference the contacts page.
