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General Club Overview
The Tempe Rugby Club represents the best athletes, coaching, professionalism, and hard nose play that championship amateur rugby has to offer. Rich in diversity and talent, the Old Devils are well known throughout North America as a competitive and tenacious team, with a long history of success.
Club members hail from all over the world including, but not limited to Ireland, England, Samoa, Tonga, Columbia, South Africa, Argentina, Poland, Mexico, and the United States of America to name a few. Professional diversity is also prevalent with blue collar and white collar club members working in the fields of education (primary, secondary, and higher edu), law, medicine, construction, technology, and the Military. The club is also diverse in terms of its age demographic. While the average age of the club is approximately 28-33, membership consists of players in their late teens through their mid-50s.
This broad level of diversity has created a strong culture of trust, support, and respect amongst each of the members of the Tempe Rugby Club and their supporters, both on and off the field.
New Players
Players of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels are welcome. Tempe player policy does not allow cutting anyone who has the inclination and courage to play with us. Our team routinely fields two teams….an A-side and a B-side, which is akin to Varsity and Junior Varsity in rugby lingo. On occasion, we have the numbers for a C-side as well. Regardless, all players who are committed to the club will get playing time. The A-, B-, and C-sides allow for a variation of competitive levels, which is generally determined, by skill level (talent), experience, age, and other individual factors.
The Season(s) At-a-Glance
Tempe plays competitive rugby all year around. The fall consists of various 10s and 15s tournaments, as well as friendly matches with other like-minded competitive clubs. The Old Devils make the Flagstaff 10s, Las Vegas Midnight 7s, Albequerque High Desert Classic and the Wild West Rugby Fest regular fixtures each fall season.
The first Saturday in November each year marks the beginning of official practice for the upcoming Spring 15s season. The mandatory half day Tempe Rugby Camp is designed to set the tempo for the 15s season preparation. In addition, the club members are also invited to the post camp social. The Arizona Rugby Union regular game schedule begins in early January and generally concludes in early April. Subsequently, the Pacific Coast and USA Rugby play-offs follow during the months of May and June. Tempe RFC members can count on being busy during these play-off months, as the Old Devils routinely qualify.
The summer begins the 7s season and Tempe has a long history of success in is format as well. The Old Devils boast a long and distinguished club and individual history of 7s success.
Practice/Games
Practices routinely run every Monday and Wednesday from 6:15p – 8p and games are generally played on Saturdays (…and Sundays for most tournaments). During the competitive seasons, training sessions are structured and organized with the sole purpose of developing individual skills, improving fitness, working on overall team strategy, and enjoying the sport we all love to play. Practice and game times and locations may vary, so it’s always best to check the club web site (Temperugby.com), Hotline (602.593.9389), or contact a club member in advance for details.
Club Expenses
Due to the nature of our amateur club status, the club expenses are supplemented through annual membership dues, sponsorship, and various charitable fund-raising activities. Funds collected through these channels are used to pay various club expenses including, but not limited to US Rugby and ARFU membership dues, practice/game field reservations, equipment, web site/hotline fees, etc., etc. A schedule of membership fees, of which each member is responsible for paying each year, is listed below.
- Full Membership Dues 21 Years and Older (1 year) - $150.00
- Full Membership Dues 20 Years and Younger (1 Year) - $100.00
- Social Member (1 Year) - $75.00
- Match Tax (Home Game Team Hosts Opponent) - $5-$10/game
Travel Expenses
- Additional expenses are necessary for playoff and tournament participation
- These expenses (or a portion of) are the responsibility of club membership
- Expenses may vary depending on location, club budget, etc.
- Expenses may include airfare, hotel, and ground transportation
Uniforms
The Tempe Old Devils wear all black. Team game Jerseys are supplied for each game, however, members must supply their own black rugby shorts and rugby socks for all practices and games. In addition, each member should have a good pair of rugby/soccer cleats (aka-boots) as well. The molded boots are recommended for hard dry surfaces like you will find in most areas of Arizona. The screw-ins are preferred for wet, soft surfaces, on which we occasionally get to play. Please note that some American football boots are illegal in rugby…please consult a club officer for details |
