Why Women’s Rugby?

Pictured: Ali Banks and Erin Buckland. Picture taken by author.

September 20, 2023

Nitacia Davis, Contributing Writer

Every year new students arrive on campus, ready to explore all the opportunities available to them. One in particular is prevalent on campus every year. The women’s rugby team. 

The UMF women’s rugby team is one of the main outlets for women to play on campus. The team hopes to help women find empowerment in themselves, their bodies, and their studies. 

“I mean the whole entire basis of rugby is that it’s for any and all bodies, and we try to keep that kind of mentality. We always want new people to join, we’re always looking to have new team members, new friends, just like that open arms kind of community,” Women’s Rugby Coach and former player, Ali Banks said.

The UMF women’s rugby team is a place where women of all ages and body types can come together and work towards becoming fierce competitors and even fiercer friends. 

“I think there’s a lot of fear behind it for other girls to join. When there really shouldn’t be,” UMFWR player Kaylei Chabre said.

The UMF women’s rugby team accepts anyone, whether you have experience in sports or not. Everyone learns together, working as a team to condition during practice and learn the game. Diving into the world of competitive sports is a tough challenge. But, with a line of strong empowered women going head to head, nothing is impossible.

Studies show that women in sports, not just rugby, have a stronger sense of being, feel closer to the people around them, and are less depressed than college students not on a sports team. https://www.seattleymca.org

“I love it. I think for such a rough sport it's always interesting to tell someone you’re a woman playing rugby, they are always so shocked. And so I think it’s a great sport. I don’t think anyone should be shocked when they hear a woman plays rugby. I think it’s really empowering,” Chabre said.