Practice Information

We welcome both boys and girls ages 6 through high school.  No prior experience is necessary, and we can arrange for you to try it out before committing if you are unsure.  We have rookies join every year in every age group - even in high school.  

The main competitive season for rugby in Massachusetts happens in the spring and summer.  Wolfhounds teams start in either early April or mid-May and go until the end of June or the end of July depending on the age group (see Team Schedule section below).  But we often have skills clinics that happen in the fall and winter which are a great way to start to learn rugby.  Check our Rugby Clinics page for current  clinics information.

The Hounds Youth team practices and has home games at the Irish Cultural Centre located at 200 New Boston Dr. in Canton, MA.  This wonderful facility hosts the senior and junior Wolfhounds teams alike and provides not only beautiful rugby fields but venues for music, food, and a celebration of all that is Irish.  After Friday practices, stay and have dinner with your family at the ICC tent!

Practices for the 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, 7th/8th grade boys, 7th/8th grade girls, and high school girls teams are held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:45pm - 7:15pm.  The K-2 team practices the same days but from 5:45pm - 7pm.  The high school boys team practices the same days but from 5:30pm - 7pm.  Games for all age groups are typically held on Sunday mornings.

Rugby is a sport that doesn't require a lot of equipment.  While there is an official "kit" for games, for practice kids just need shorts, a t-shirt, a mouth guard (required), and "boots" (cleats) or sneakers.  Molded plastic soccer cleats work best for the flag youth rugby teams (6th grade and below).  Older kids may want to wear actual rugby boots.  Boots/cleats for rugby cannot have a single center front cleat.  Please leave watches or jewelry at home.  Don't forget your water bottle!