Rugby Information
Learn The Game
- A Spectator's Guide to The Ruffian's Game
- Why Rugby - a testimonial to the sport
- Rookie Primer
- Rugby 101 Video - helpful video to explain rules
- BBC Sport's Guide to the Rugby Positions
Flint Rugby Governing Bodies
The Flint Rogues RFC is a member of 3 regional Rugby Football Unions (RFUs), all of whom take direction from the International Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB's primary responsibility is to govern and adapt the international laws of rugby to ensure safety and game continuity. USA Rugby administers rugby in the U.S. and promotes our national teams - the USA Eagles. USA Rugby is made up of 6 Territorial Unions (TUs), and we belong to the Midwest RFU. Flint's Local Area Union (LAU) within the Midwest RFU is the Michigan RFU.
Local RFU Men's Teams
- Divison I Teams
- Grand Rapids Gazelles
- Division II Teams
- Detroit RFC
- Detroit Tradesmen
- Flint Rogues RFC
- Michigan RFC
- Toledo Celtics
- Division III Teams
- Battle Creek Griffins
- Fort Wayne RFC
- Kalamazoo RFC
- Michiana RFC
- Tri-City Barbarians
- Traverse Bay Blues
- Collegiate Teams
- Bowling Green University (no link)
- Central Michigan University
- Ferris State University
- Grand Valley State University
- Michigan State University
- University of Michigan
- Northern Michigan University
- Western Michigan University (no link)
International Rugby
National teams, comprised of each country's top players, compete on a regular basis and play for the World Cup every 2 years. In addition, Europe's 6 Nations (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Italy) and the Southern Hemisphere's Tri-Nations (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa) compete individually for bragging rights each year.
Professional Rugby
Rugby Union was a completely amateur sport until 1996. Since then, players are paid to play for professional clubs that are predominantly based in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Most Americans are most familiar with England's Premiership teams and New Zealand's Super 12 League. A comprehensive list of international professional clubs can be found here.
USA Premier Rugby
Semi-professional rugby is just getting started in the United States and teams are divided amongst 2 Division I factions - Premier Rugby (aka Super League) and Major League Rugby. Most of the USA Eagles come from clubs in these 2 leagues, some play professionally outside of the US, and others play for Division 2 teams. Scrum.com offers an excellent overview of the US rugby scene.
Rugby Media Coverage
