What is High School Girls Rugby?

High School Girls Rugby is full-contact, Olympic Rugby (7 players per team) for girls in grades 9-12 (8th grade can play JV), sanctioned by Rugby Iowa. Des Moines-area schools field their own teams but train together at one shared site, so every player gets real coaching, real teammates, and real games — even if only a handful of girls from your school show up.

Who can play?

• Girls in grades 9–12, plus 8th graders on JV

• Open to students at Valley, Urbandale, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Waukee, East

• No experience necessary

• Bring your friends — there's no minimum number needed from your school

Never played? Try it first.

You don't have to commit before you've even touched a ball. Come to any practice to get started — no sign-up is required in advance. Show up, learn the basics, run a few drills, and see if you like it. If you decide to stay, you register through Rugby Iowa (details below). If it's not for you, no problem — there's no cost to try.

Where and when do we practice?

All schools practice together at one site:

Indian Hills Junior High School

9401 Indian Hills Dr

West Des Moines, Iowa

DayTime

Sunday: 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Monday: 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Thursday: 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Come to any practice — you don't need to attend all four.

How does the season work?

• Fall season

• Practices Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Indian Hills

• Games and tournaments against other Iowa high school teams under Rugby Iowa

• You'll play for your own school's team, but train side-by-side with players from across the metro

What to bring

Balls and training gear are provided. Players should bring:

• Sports attire (shorts/leggings + t-shirt/sweatshirt)

• Cleats (soccer or football cleats work; tennis shoes are fine while you're trying it out)

• Mouthguard (required once you're playing contact)

• Water bottle

• Light jacket or sweats for cooler evenings

New to rugby? What players (and parents) can expect

• Coaches teach the game from the ground up — the first sessions focus on passing, running, and safe technique before any contact.

• Rugby is a game for every body type. Fast, strong, tall, small — there's a position for you.

• Parents are welcome to stay and watch.

How signup works

1. Show up to a practice at Indian Hills to try it out — no registration needed yet.

2. When you're ready to join, register with Rugby Iowa at www.rugbyiowa.org. Select your high school's team during registration.

3. Questions? Contact Coach MacKenzie Gibbons at megibbons9@gmail.com.

Everyone plays — even if your school doesn't have a full team.

Register at rugbyiowa.org