FAQs

If you have a question, please email info@wandorugby.org.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

• Check out the register to play page. It has information on the forms you need to complete to be able to tackle at practice. 

• New players are always welcome to come to practice. They do not have to be registered to stop by. They can learn the basics of the game and also participate in workouts.

• We practice Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5-7pm at the field next to Cario Middle School. 

What do I need to bring to my first practice?

• If your physical and other necessary forms have been completed (see register to play), just bring a pair of cleats, water, and a mouth guard. If you decide to become a member of the club, buy at least one pair of black rugby shorts.

Communications

OK, I've joined the club. Now what?! How do I stay informed with what is going on, when's the next game, etc.? 

• If you are a player, the absolute best way to stay informed is to stay engaged. Come to practice and listen to your coaches. Share information (about practices, upcoming games, etc.) with your parents and friends. 

• ALSO, you and your parents should download the TeamSnap app (from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store) or login to the TeamSnap web site.  TeamSnap is what the club uses to keep our members informed with club news, announcements, schedule, and coordinate. Make sure that both you and your parents have added your contact information to your profile and have opted into notifications. 

Transportation

I can tell from the game schedule that there is some travel involved; how does the team get to away games? Is there a bus?

• We don't have a club bus but all parents and players are really good about carpooling and helping out those who might be otherwise challenged to make an away match.  Team carpooling is mostly organic - players and parents work it out amongst themselves before a particular travel weekend.

• Once everyone is registered and starting to use TeamSnap, there is a group chat feature there that can serve that purpose. As an away weekend gets closer, please don't hesitate to contact your coach if you haven't had success finding a ride with a teammate's family. 

Rugby IQ (learning the game)

I'm intrigued and want to learn more about the game. Give me the quick and dirty about rugby.

• If you're brand new to the sport (OR you just want a quick refresher of the rules), here is a great video that England Rugby put together ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOJejnPI0p0 In 11 minutes, you will learn the basics to get you started on your rugby journey. (Keep in mind, when the narrator says that the rugby pitch (field) is about the same size as a "football" pitch, she is referring to soccer.  A typical rugby pitch is generally 100 meters (109 yards) long by 70 meters (77 yards) wide - longer and wider than an American football field.

• YouTube is an awesome resource to easily learn more about the sport. Our team primarily competes in 7s rugby (7 players on the field) in the fall. During the winter and spring, we play 15s rugby (15 players on the field). If you want to learn more, simply search up Rugby 7s or 15s Basics.

The Basics

• Score:

  • There are 2 main ways to score in rugby. The first is similar to a football touchdown. A player must run the ball into the try zone (like an end zone). If they touch the ball down, they score 5 points. The second way to score is a conversion. After a player scores a try, the team that scored is given the opportunity to kick a conversion. It's similar to kicking the ball into a field goal in football. If the kicker kicks the ball between the two posts, it scores 2 points.

• Players:

  • The number of players on the field in rugby drastically changes the style of play. We typically play 7s and 15s.

  • 7s is a more fast paced game with 7 players on the field. There aren't any true positions outside of a scrum. There are only 3 players in a scrum from each team. These games are typically about 14 minutes. 

  • 15s is a game with 15 players on the field. It runs at a slower pace, since the games can last between 60-80 minutes (30-40 minute halves). There is a full scrum, meaning there are 8 people from each team in the scrum. Here is a picture of what that looks like.

How do I learn how to play?

• A great way to learn the principles of rugby is watch the game. There are thousands of videos on the basic rules of the game.

• At your first few practices, the coaches will teach you the basic principles of rugby. The coaches will go over new rules for the game and will answer any questions players have.

• If you ever want to learn more, email info@wandorugby.org.