Over 30 players, ages 5 to 50, gathered for an afternoon of rugby at Oakland Beach over Columbus Day weekend. Parents and players were able to learn more about the program coming to Rye Recreation this spring, receive some coaching, and compete in an informal game of touch rugby.

Over 30 players, ages 5 to 50, gathered for an afternoon of rugby at Oakland Beach over Columbus Day weekend. Parents and players were able to learn more about the program coming to Rye Recreation this spring, receive some coaching, and compete in an informal game of touch rugby.

Thanks to the efforts of Christian Mayo, Director of Rugby For Good, Play Rugby USA, Rye Recreation agreed earlier this month to include a non- contact rugby program for children in grades K-5 in its spring lineup.  

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been the catalyst and driving force behind getting this project off the ground. “It is great to get the immediate support from the community,” said Ryan. “There is a large community of rugby enthusiasts living in Rye, who are excited about the proposition of rugby becoming a fixture.” The K-5 program is just the beginning for Rye rugby. “Developing a high and middle school program is our next focus. Ultimately, we want to offer rugby to boys and girls from 4 to 18,” Fitzpatrick added.

In addition to Rye Recreation activities, a number of Rye High School students are working with the Athletic Director to generate interest in a rugby club this spring. They hope to compete against local schools and in tournaments at seven-a-side rugby, and eventually field a team for the full fifteen-player game.

To learn more about local rugby activities, e-mail ryeyouthrugby@gmail.com.