Since its chartering in 1997, the UMass Amherst Women’s Rugby Club has climbed the collegiate ranks in the New England Area. In 2023, the team was second in the country in Division 1 Women’s Club Rugby. My roommate, Grace, decided to try out for the club this fall and has fallen in love with the sport and team. Every day she comes home from practice, her determination and strength only grow. Hearing about the club and unique sport made me super excited for Grace, but she often expresses how overlooked the club is. Not many girls grew up with the opportunity to play rugby, which can make the sport sound intimidating.
With Women’s Sports dominating recent headlines and iconic athletes like Ilona Maher and Portia Woodman rising to prominence, rugby is only on the rise. I asked the team to put together some of their favorite and memorable experiences from the club and sport. If you are ever hesitant about trying a new sport, especially rugby, I encourage you to listen to the women below.
- First, A Quick Overview:
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UMass Women’s Rugby Club strictly plays Rugby Fifteens (15s) in the fall. There are usually 15 players per team on the field and games usually last around 80 minutes. These games crucially depend on teamwork and specialized positions. These games feature intense and consecutive tackles. In the spring, the club runs both Fifteens (15s) and Sevens (7s). Sevens game play is more fast-paced with games only lasting around 14 minutes each. With less time to play; speed, agility, and versatility are key. This year, both teams had the opportunity to compete in the 2025 Beast of the East Tournament, the biggest collegiate 7s and 15s tournament in the region. Excitingly and impressively, the 2025 UMass Women’s Rugby Club Sevens team advanced to the Collegiate Rugby Nationals.
- “How has UMass Women’s Rugby Club impacted your experience as a student?”
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“UMass Women’s Rugby Club has greatly impacted my experience as a student. I feel that I have found a sense of community and belonging during a time when everything felt new and overwhelming. I have met some of my greatest college friends through rugby, and we have shared some really great and fun experiences together.” – Grace McGough, Position: Prop, First Year Playing
“Rugby has made a huge impact on my first year at UMass. Joining in the fall instantly gave me a supportive community of strong women where I felt comfortable being myself. When going through tough times, someone was always there to lend a helping hand. I have so much fun on the team this year and I am so excited to continue being a part of the most welcoming club on campus!”- Lucy Stevens, Position: Flanker, One Year Playing
- “Why should others join?”
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“At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to go to the first practice, but I am so thankful that I did. Because of joining rugby, I have met so many friends that I plan to love and cherish for a lifetime. The experiences of playing games and going to mixers with one another have been some of the most memorable times of my life so far at UMass, and I could not be happier.” – Nora Quitt, Positions: Flanker, Center, First year player
“You should join if you are looking for a way to really challenge yourself both physically and mentally. Rugby pushes you in a great way, and the best part is that you will have a support system every step of the way.” – Grace McGough, Position: Prop, First Year Playing
- “What should new rugby players know about?”
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“I think if you want to play rugby, you have to be someone that puts their teammates over themselves and loves the rage. Rugby is the best sport with the best people, and the entire community is so supportive and amazing. There is truly nothing like it, and 80 minutes on the pitch destroying your body for the love of the sport alongside 14 other people that feel the same way is a beautiful thing.” – Sarah Brookman, Position: Flanker, Five Years Playing
- “Why do you love rugby as a sport?”
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“I love rugby as a sport because it is a mix of the aspects of the sports I played growing up (teamwork, dedication, physicality, etc.), yet it is also unlike any sport I’ve ever played. Being new to it all, I have found that it pushes you to be both strong and smart about what you are doing” – Grace McGough, Position: prop First Year Playing
“I’ve been playing rugby for five years, and throughout my time─not only at UMass but playing rugby as a whole─ I can tell you it is one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences you can have in your college career. Rugby lets you push yourself physically like no other sport, and creates meaningful relationships with your teammates beyond any other sport. Getting hit and hitting people for 80 minutes alongside your friends is truly one of the greatest things in life.” – Sarah Brookman, Position: Flanker, Five Years Playing
- “What makes your team special?”
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“What makes the team really special is the bonds that you are able to build. Whether you are a freshman or senior, rookie or vet, you will get to know each other.” – Grace McGough, Position: Prop, First Year Playing
“After playing on the UMass Women’s Rugby team for two seasons, I feel like I have gotten to know a lot of the people pretty well. The community is what makes this team special, rugby is definitely a team sport, and that shows on and off the pitch.” – Molly Simler, Position: Flanker, Two Years Playing
“Every teammate to team feels like a sister to me, and all together it feels like one big family. Each of us help each other to learn and grow from one another and its something for which I am very grateful. I cannot wait to continue being a part of it throughout my next couple years at UMass.” – Nora Quitt, Positions: Flanker, Center, First year player
@umwrfc via Instagram
It was amazing listening to the sincere words of these women as they demonstrated the amount of teamwork and dedication they put into this sport. I cannot count the number of battle scars my roommate comes home with, yet she always has a smile on her face, talking about the game. Whether you’re considering joining the team or watching them next fall, be sure to support them in the future. Look out for their frequent fundraising events and tryouts in September! To keep in touch with them, feel free to instant message them on Instagram @umwrfc.
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