High School Students

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

USI Rugby welcomes high school students (U-19) to come and practice with the team. Here are a few of our intentions, and why we want to partner specifically with high school students:

To create a culture of excellence, teamwork, respect, discipline, sportsmanship, and camaraderie; this is the true purpose of rugby
To teach, train, and mentor younger rugby athletes to reach their full potential
To establish great relationships with area high schools
To encourage enrollment at USI so they can one day play for our team

Michael Bingham, Head Coach

Michael started coaching USI Rugby in 2022. He wore the Eagles jersey for 3 years before taking over as the club's head coach in 2022. He has played a multitude of positions from hooker, lock, flanker, scrum-half, and fly-half.

Email: michael.bingham@usirugby.com

Ben Gallant, Club Advisor

Ben has worked with the USI Rugby club since 2012 and provides financial and administrative guidance as one of the coaches. He also helps with leadership training and facilitating relationships between the team and our school administration.

We practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:30 pm, and every Saturday from 11am-1pm when we don't have a game to play.

RESTRICTIONS: Practice generally consists of drills, endurance training, and touch rugby. Players under 18 will not be allowed to participate in any official games, practices or tournaments where full-contact rugby is played.

Membership: To become an Auxiliary Member (this is the category that high school students fall under), please complete the steps below as soon as possible, pay your dues, and you're set!

Print and complete the Membership and Waiver Form. Bring it (and all other paperwork mentioned below) to a practice. Membership dues can be paid online or in person, and are required before the first game of the semester. Optionally, players may find sponsors to cover their dues. For students under 18, your membership application must be approved by the USI Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Club Sports program director to start practicing with the team.
We need a copy of your state-issued ID, and medical insurance card. We will keep these in a secure location and use them only in the event of an emergency / injury.
Gear up! You will need a decent pair of rugby boots (any cleats will work, as long as there is no toe cleat), and some proper rugby gear. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com to purchase these items. While you're there, you might want to get a cheap rugby ball to start tossing around.
To receive the latest updates from our team, see crazy team photos, and stay connected, request to join our team's current (private) Facebook group.

A note about dues: Annual club dues for Auxiliary Members are $40.00, and dues are required by the end of the first month of the fall semester. You can also choose to pay each semester ($25), in which payment will be due by the end of the first month of that semester.

Please know that no one will be denied membership or participation because of difficulty paying club dues. If you would like to setup a confidential payment arrangement, you may contact our Treasurer, Ben Gallant or our President, Tyler Pipes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send us a message!

Parents: we know that you might have some questions about rugby. We would love to meet with you in person so we can answer any of those questions. Send us a message and let us know when you would like to meet with one of our coaches or our executive board.

2012 Indiana State Champions NSCRO

Volunteering for ITV Canine Rescue

Volunteering as a team in March 2013

Quick Links:

USI Rec Center Waiver

Sponsorship Form

World Rugby Shop

USI RUGBY GEAR:

*Cleats: (called rugby boots)

*If you have a pair of cleats from a different sport, make sure there is no toe cleat. You are allowed to use cleats with a toe cleat, if you carefully cut it off with a knife.

Practice Rugby Gear:

Shorts (inexpensive)

Shorts (nice)

Compression

Mouthguard