The women’s club rugby team is looking for new members regardless of rugby knowledge or experience. 

The club started in 2023 with three members. The club’s roster has grown to 14, which has allowed them to play games against other schools like Colorado College. The club’s increase in members is a result of the tight-knit community the team has built.  

“I think that’s the best part, the culture and the community,” said Jadyn Smith, vice president of the club. 

While the community is what the club is most proud of, they also offer an opportunity for women to play a collision sport at UCCS. Currently, there are no NCAA teams, for either gender, that play a collision sport at UCCS. “It’s one of the best sports where you could learn perseverance, and it will teach you resilience,” said Smith. 

Rugby is a physical game. Unlike its American counterpart, football, it features no pads or protection — just a mouthguard and a player’s will to get up after a hit. The lack of padding causes players to be more conscious when it comes to tackling techniques. “It makes you think more about how to be safe,” said Club President Amber Salinas.  

While rugby is less popular in America compared to other countries, the players guarantee that the sport has a lot to offer for people looking for a physical challenge. “It is an opportunity to do something you’ve never done before, but it’s also very empowering,” Smith said. 

 The women’s rugby club is on a mission to show that women should play collision sports.  “If you’re willing to put your body on the line, there should be contact. I accepted that I was going to get hit and tackled, and that’s me putting my body on the line, and that’s OK, because I’m OK with it,” Smith said. 

The club meets three times a week from 7-9 p.m. at Mountain Lion Stadium or Alpine Field. It is open to all women regardless of rugby experience. Students interested in joining can contact the club on Instagram at @uccswomensrugby. 

A member of the club at practice. Photo by Josiah Dolan.