De Pere Rugby

De Pere Rugby high school boys in grades 5-8 from any school or community. No experience is required. We play 15s rugby in spring and some 7s tournament in summer.​​​​​​

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The season runs from  April through playoffs and state tournament in early June.  Practices start outdoors as soon as the weather permits, typically in March, are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-6pm. 

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Stay tuned for regular season schedule and playoff dates.

Playing high school rugby provides a foundation for both athletic and personal development, offering a unique combination of high-intensity physical conditioning and a culture rooted in core values like respect and discipline. 

 

Athletic and Mental Skills

Rugby develops a wide range of transferable skills that benefit players in other sports and academics: 

• Total Body Fitness: Players develop explosive power, cardiovascular endurance, and functional strength through a mix of sprinting and contact-heavy maneuvers like scrums and tackling.

• Agility and Coordination: Drills focus on spatial awareness, evasive running, and hand-eye coordination (passing/catching), which improve overall athletic reflexes.

• Strategic Thinking: Often called a "thinking player’s game," rugby requires rapid decision-making under pressure, fostering tactical analysis and collective problem-solving as situations shift during play.

• Resilience: The physically demanding nature of the sport builds mental toughness, teaching young men to persevere through setbacks and recover from challenges both on and off the field. 

 

Social and Character Benefits

The culture of rugby is intentionally designed to foster character and community: 

• The "Rugby Family": Unlike many sports, rugby is known for its deep sense of camaraderie. Players often form lifelong bonds with teammates and a connection to a global community that transcends cultural or geographic differences.

• Respect for Authority: Respect is a non-negotiable core value; players are taught to address officials as "sir" or "ma'am" and handle disagreements with composure, instilling a high level of self-discipline.

• Inclusivity and Belonging: Rugby offers roles for every body type and skill set, from strong ball carriers to fast runners. This inclusivity helps every player find a meaningful place on the team, boosting self-esteem.