Answers to the questions parents ask most about 901 Rugby — from getting started to safety, cost, and the game itself.
Getting Started
What is 901 Rugby?
901 Rugby is a high school and middle school rugby club for boys, based in Germantown, Tennessee. High school rugby began in Tennessee in the early 2000s, when Germantown Rugby and the Houston Mustangs were formed. The club later rebranded as 901 Rugby to reflect the student-athletes joining from all across the greater Memphis and Germantown area.
What grades and ages can play for 901 Rugby?
901 Rugby is open to boys in middle school and high school. Players are grouped by grade, skill, and experience — so newcomers and veterans alike have a place on the pitch.
Does my son need any experience to play?
Absolutely not. In the US, most rugby players first pick up the game in high school or college, so your son will be in good company. Athletes from every background are welcome on our field, whether they’ve played rugby before or are trying it for the very first time.
How do I register my son for the season?
Registering is easy — just click through the registration link for full details on how to sign up for the season. Any interested player is welcome to come out and visit a practice, but to fully participate with the club, players need to be registered. We’d love to have your son join us for practice.
When does the season start, and when’s the first practice?
901 Rugby runs two seasons a year. Rugby 7s plays through the fall, from August through October, and Rugby 15s runs in the spring, from February through May. Specific practice and game dates and times are posted right here on our website, so keep an eye on our schedule and announcements.
Where and when does 901 Rugby practice?
901 Rugby practices and plays home games at our home grounds, the 901 Rugby Fields at Farmington Park in Germantown. You’ll find directions on the map below.
Cost & Gear
How much does it cost to play for 901 Rugby?
Fees range from 200 to 300 dollars per year, depending on how much your son participates across the two seasons. It’s an affordable way to get into the greatest game on earth.
What equipment does my son need to bring?
To get started, your son just needs running shoes and rugby or soccer cleats. A gum shield / mouthguard is also required for contact, and we’ll point you to a good option. The club handles the rest of the gear as he gets going.
🦋 Recommended: single-density mouthguard (Rugby Imports) or SISU NextGen Max mouthguard
Do players get a uniform or jersey?
Absolutely. Player shorts, socks, and a training shirt are all included with registration. Game jerseys are issued at each match based on the position your son plays, so he’s always kitted out and ready to go.
Safety
Is rugby safe for middle and high school players?
Yes. 901 Rugby takes safety very seriously. We focus on proper nutrition and hydration, conditioning, and prompt injury reporting, and every game is covered by a certified athletic trainer. Coaching proper tackle and contact technique is a top priority, keeping play safe and effective at every level.
How is rugby different from football when it comes to tackling and contact?
In rugby, tackling and contact place the focus on control, while football often emphasizes impact. Proper technique, supported by coaches and referees, sets the stage for a fun and safe game. Where football may prioritize impact over control, rugby prioritizes control to maximize safety and excellent tackling at all age levels.
Are the coaches trained and certified?
Yes. Our coaches and referees are fully trained and certified through World Rugby and USA Rugby.
The Sport
What is 7s rugby, and how is it different from 15s?
15s is the full-sided version of rugby union, with 15 players from each team on the field, played in two halves of 30 to 35 minutes under U19 rules, where fresh replacement players are critical. 7s rugby is an abbreviated, fast-moving game, 7 on 7, played in two seven-minute halves. It’s usually played round-robin or tournament style, with three to five games in a single competition, all on a full-size field.
Does my son need to be a certain size or athletic build to play?
The beautiful thing about rugby is that every athletic type and skill set has a crucial role on the team. Some players focus on kicking and catching high balls. Others run hard and carry the ball into contact. Some specialize in wrestling the ball back from the opposition, while others jump, push, and pull with teammates in coordinated ways to contest possession. But the real beauty is that every player on the field runs, passes, and catches, so there’s a place for everyone.
Can my son play rugby if he already plays other sports?
Absolutely. An excellent rugby team is built from players with all kinds of athletic backgrounds. Many of our athletes also compete in football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, track, weightlifting, and any number of other sports. Rugby complements them all and helps build well-rounded athletes.
Does 901 Rugby travel for games and tournaments?
Most of our season games are right here in the Memphis area. We also have opportunities to travel to tournaments across Tennessee and beyond, giving players a chance to test their skills and build lasting team memories.
Big Picture
What will my son gain from playing rugby?
901 Rugby shares the same core values as World Rugby: discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity. Beyond the game itself, players gain teamwork, fitness, confidence, and lifelong friendships, growing as athletes and as young men.
Can playing rugby open doors to college opportunities?
Absolutely. 901 Rugby has a long list of alumni who’ve gone on to play rugby in college, several earning collegiate scholarships along with senior men’s club opportunities. Our players have also represented South select, All-Star, and high school representative sides. The rugby world is a close-knit community, and those bonds last well beyond high school.
How can parents get involved or volunteer with 901 Rugby?
Parents and supporters are essential to 901 Rugby. They power everything from game-day logistics and concessions to cooking, senior nights, social events, our end-of-year banquet, and fundraising. Simply put, our parents are the culture and heartbeat of the club, and there’s always a way to get involved.