Rugby may have a reputation as one of the toughest games in the world—but that hasn’t stopped women from embracing it with passion, determination, and skill. In fact, women’s rugby is growing at record speed, from college clubs and community leagues to the international stage.
How the Game Works
Rugby is a full-contact sport that blends endurance, power, and strategy. Two teams of 15 players (in traditional rugby union) or 7 players (in rugby sevens) battle to carry, pass, or kick an oval-shaped ball into the opponent’s goal area to score a “try.”
- Passing: The ball can only be passed backward or laterally, never forward.
- Tackling: To stop the attack, defenders must tackle the ball carrier.
- Scrums and Lineouts: Play restarts with scrums (players pushing against each other to regain possession) or lineouts (throw-ins after the ball goes out of bounds).
- Scoring: A try is worth 5 points, with opportunities for extra kicks and drop goals adding to the total.
It’s a game of constant motion, teamwork, and resilience—every player, regardless of size or speed, has a role to play.
Why Women Are Choosing Rugby
Traditionally seen as a men’s sport, rugby has become a home for women athletes looking for a challenge that combines grit, athleticism, and camaraderie.
- Empowerment Through Physicality: Rugby celebrates strength and toughness in women, breaking stereotypes about what female athletes can and can’t do.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Teams welcome players of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels, making it a sport where anyone can find their place.
- Community and Sisterhood: Off the pitch, rugby culture emphasizes support, respect, and strong bonds. Many women describe their teams as second families.
- Opportunities to Compete Globally: Women’s rugby is now an Olympic sport (rugby sevens debuted in 2016), giving athletes a chance to represent their countries on the world stage.
The Women’s Rugby League Structure
Women’s rugby is thriving at multiple levels, creating pathways for athletes from beginners to professionals:
- High School and College: Many schools and universities across the U.S. have club and varsity-level women’s teams. College rugby, especially, serves as a pipeline for talent.
- Club Rugby: Local and regional clubs welcome women of all experience levels. These leagues often play in structured competitions within USA Rugby (the sport’s governing body in the U.S.).
- Premier Level: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is the highest level of women’s rugby competition in the U.S., showcasing elite players from across the country.
- International Play: National teams, like the USA Women’s Eagles, compete globally in test matches, the Rugby World Cup, and the Olympics (rugby sevens).
This layered system ensures that whether you’re a newcomer or a rising star, there’s a place to grow in the game.
Beginner’s Guide to Rugby (Quick Terms Every Fan Should Know)
🏉 Try – The main way to score in rugby. Worth 5 points, it’s similar to a touchdown in football but requires the player to touch the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area.
🔁 Scrum – A restart of play where players pack closely together and push against the opposing team to gain possession of the ball.
↔ Lineout – A method of restarting play after the ball goes out of bounds. Players are lifted into the air to catch the ball being thrown in.
💥 Tackle – Bringing the ball carrier to the ground. The tackler must release immediately to allow play to continue.
⚡ Rugby Sevens – A faster, shorter version of rugby played with 7 players per side instead of 15. Matches last 14 minutes total (two 7-minute halves).
Teams to Watch in Women’s Rugby
Whether you’re new to the sport or a longtime fan, here are some standout women’s rugby teams worth following:
🏆 International Teams
- New Zealand Black Ferns – Legendary in women’s rugby, with multiple Rugby World Cup titles. Known for speed, skill, and tradition.
- England Red Roses – A powerhouse in international play, with a professional squad leading the way in Europe.
- USA Women’s Eagles – A team on the rise, with strong showings in both rugby union and rugby sevens, and a legacy as the winners of the first Women’s Rugby World Cup (1991).
- Australia Wallaroos (Union) & Sevens – The Sevens squad has Olympic gold, and their 15s team is gaining momentum.
🎓 College Programs (U.S.)
- Life University (Georgia) – A dominant program in collegiate rugby, known for developing top-tier athletes.
- Penn State University – A pioneer in women’s rugby, with a long history of championships.
- Brown University & Dartmouth College – Ivy League schools investing heavily in women’s rugby with competitive teams.
🏉 Club and Premier Teams
- Glendale Merlins (Colorado) – One of the most competitive women’s club teams in the U.S.
- Beantown RFC (Boston) – A historic and respected club in women’s rugby, producing elite players for decades.
- New York Rugby Club – Another powerhouse in the Women’s Premier League with a reputation for fierce play.
The Growth of the Game
Women’s rugby is expanding rapidly across the U.S. and worldwide. High schools and universities are adding programs, while professional and semi-professional leagues are building visibility. International competitions like the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games have also given the sport a global spotlight.
Join the Movement
Women’s rugby is more than just a game—it’s a movement. By combining skill, toughness, and teamwork, women are not only excelling on the pitch but also reshaping the landscape of sports. Whether you’re a fan or a first-time spectator, women’s rugby offers fast-paced action and a powerful reminder of how sport can inspire, unite, and empower.
Learn more at: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day