Where Internationals Play, Part 2: Rugby

Following on from our article last week detailing the best places to play soccer in the city, this week we’re looking at NYC rugby, and finding out how this internationally popular sport holds up in the city.Despite its large following worldwide, rugby’s following in the U.S. – though certainly growing – is still relatively small. American football still claims the lion’s share of fans and sponsorship. This said, New York is nothing if not an international city, and rugby clubs filled with international and U.S. players alike are now well established in the city – as long as you know where to look. With the ever-increasing home-grown support for the game here in New York City, there’s never been a better time to get involved with a local team. Here are some of the top places to play rugby NYC can offer.The New York Rugby ClubProud to hold the title of being the oldest rugby club in the U.S., the New York Rugby Club fields successful teams in men’s, women’s, and youth leagues, and now has over 200 active players. Always happy to receive new members, the club now has under-19 teams for both boys and girls. The club enjoys the use of state-of-the-art facilities on Randalls Island and is dedicated to the continuation and promotion of rugby right here in New York City.Village LionsFounded in 1989 by a group of internationals united by their love of the game, the Village Lions Rugby Football Club is always open to new recruits. Players from as many as 42 different countries have taken part. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.30 p.m (women) and 8.00 p.m. (men)., and there’s always the possibility of a trip to the pub! Interested players for men’s, women’s, and Old Boy’s sides can contact them via e-mail to find out more information. The Village Lions are a Division One competitive club, fielding men's and women's teams in the Empire Rugby Football Union Geographic Union, which itself manages and fosters over 100 rugby clubs in New York, New Jersey, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. You can find out more on the team's Facebook and Twitter accounts.Gotham KnightsActive for more than ten years, the Gotham Knights are gay and bi-sexual friendly, and encourage openness and honesty between all their players. With a competitive “A” side and a social “B” side, all newcomers are welcome. For new players, a Rugby 101 introduction is available. With expats from England, Australia, New Zealand and a whole host of other strong rugby playing nations, there are games of all levels on offer.Lansdowne RFCNovices and experienced players - of all shapes and sizes – are welcome to join in at Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers. There’s a strong focus on camaraderie and social outings, and local sponsors keep this team firmly rooted in the neighbourhood. Lansdowne RFC is proud of its Irish-American heritage, though players from all corners of the world have called the club home. Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and matches are every Saturday. For the latest training updates, just check out their Facebook and Twitter pages You can find directions to the playing field on their website, along with a full training schedule.New York Athletic ClubThis club competes in the USA Rugby Super League – the highest competitive event in the U.S. – as well as fielding “B” and “C” teams against other such teams in Division I.  Strictly an amateur team, all are encouraged to try out, though if you’re after nothing more than a friendly kick around, this might not be for you.If you prefer to watch the sport, rather than play it, the NYC Six Nations, Tri-Nations and World Cup Rugby Meetup group offers one of the best ways to get in touch with like minded fans from around the world right here in the city. You haven’t really experienced a rugby match until you’ve seen one surrounded by a loyal bunch of supporters, all shouting and drinking together. Traditional rugby-playing nations – England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Italy, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia to name a few  - are able to supply a rich history and detailed knowledge of the game and U.S. fans and enthusiasts can be sure of a warm welcome.Rugby has certainly taken hold in New York and popularity of the sport is growing. Play Rugby USA, a rugby-based youth sports organization, hosted NYC Rugby Cup every year. Standards of rugby playing are improving yearly, and with so many kids getting involved, the future of the sport in the city seems secure.Article updated November 25, 2014