A Family-Friendly, Fun Club built by Teamwork, Respect, Camaraderie, and Discipline!
As one of the longest established Rugby teams in Arizona, Camelback Rugby is a team that is dedicated to accepting players of all skill levels from beginner to expert. If you are new to rugby then we will begin with the basics and fundamentals and progress your skills to an advanced player. For our experienced players, we look to further your excellence in the sport. Rugby is often tied to the misnomer that you have to be big or you have to have had experience playing football to play the game. This couldn’t be further from the truth. All you need is the desire to have fun, to hit someone, and to socialize afterwards. Rugby utilizes men of all sizes and we will be sure to find a place for you.
About the Organization
Established in 1979, Camelback Rugby is a non-profit organization and part of the Arizona Rugby Union’s Division III. We have 35 players currently on our roster. Along with our significant others, families, and friends, we are a close-knit community and we welcome all newcomers.
Expectations for Your Participation
Time
We have rugby practice twice a week from 7-9PM at Christown YMCA (5517 N. 17th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015) with games every one to two weeks (typically early Saturday afternoons). Everyone who is a part of the Camelback Rugby Club is an adult with jobs, family, etc. We all understand this and that you won’t be able to be at every practice, every game, and every function. We only ask that you do attend when you are able.
Gear and Equipment
With the tag “all the fun without any protection,” when compared to football, the game of rugby is minimalist as far as what’s required. You will need a mouth guard, cleats (aka boots), and a pair of rugby shorts. Molded soccer cleats are what’s used most often playing rugby in Arizona due to the hard ground. If you already have football cleats, you can use those too – you will have to cut off or remove the front toe cleat come game time. Camelback Rugby Club provides jerseys on game day.
Travel
As part of the Southwest Rugby Union, we travel to Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Tucson, and El Paso. During our off-season we do try to schedule a couple tournaments away from Phoenix. We generally try to play in 3 tournaments out outside of Phoenix. These tournaments are a great time for team building and getting better at the sport of Rugby.
Money
There are club dues as well as a membership fee that must be paid to USA Rugby (see CIPP below). The club does have expenses it must cover (fields, lights, social events, etc). However, we will not ask for money right when you show up. You can come out and give the game and our club a chance for a few weeks before you are required to pay.
CIPP
For a player to be able to participate in a sanctioned rugby match, they must be CIPP’d (Club and Individual Participation Program) with USA Rugby. There are a few member benefits that you can take advantage of through USA Rugby but the most important one is that you get to play in a rugby match. Go to USA Rugby and get CIPP’d.
Richie Sefo
Recruitment Director
sefo87.richard@gmail.com