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West Hartford Rugby Donation
West Hartford Rugby is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations assist in equipping, transporting and providing a safe environment to grow the sport of Rugby. Coaching and administration is 100% volunteer.
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Welcome
Welcome to WestHartfordRugby.com home of the Black Hearts U-19 rugby club. The club is open to high school boys and girls ages 14 to 19. No experience is necessary. We play other high schools from around the state in a season that begins in early March and culminates with the CT High School Rugby Championship in June.
We encourage anyone who might be interested to come to a practice or game to check it out without any obligation.
Our clubs mission is to provide high school youth with the opportunity to:
• Develop an understanding of the game of rugby through active participation
• Develop the skills to continue play beyond the high school age level
• Develop life skills such as: teamwork, leadership and accountability
• Learn and compete in a safe and fun environment
The Season
The club is run by trained coaches who receive certification through USA Rugby. Practices are normally held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:45pm at Sterling Field, located on Flatbush Avenue in West Hartford.
Earlier in the season we will practice at different times
subject to the availability of gym space and turf fields in town. Games are typically played on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Certified Referees and Trainers monitor all games.
RUGBY SEASON IS COMING! GO FOR A RUN!
You are responsible for YOUR Fitness....
PRACTICE IS FOR RUGBY NOT FITNESS!
Unable to attend practice? Contact Coach Foley whrugby@outlook.com or 860-966-3588
Never Played Rugby? What are the Rules?
- Prospective players are welcome to participate in practices before registering for season by completing a signed Player Waiver. We encourage anyone who might be interested to come join a practice just bring a filled-out waiver and a mouthpiece.
West Hartford Black Hearts - To Do List
The Basics
Pin This Seasons ToDo List to the fridge....link
- All players need to complete 2025 Player Waiver - This must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if under 18.
- Bring completed Player Waiver to first practice you attend - players will not be allowed to practice until signed waiver is collected.
- Prospective players are welcome to participate in practices before registering with a signed Player Waiver. We encourage anyone who might be interested to join a practice or game to check it out.
- All players register on USA Rugby click "Members/Register" then "Create a Rugby Explorer account" . For Returning Players select Login - have your username and password ready. For 2025, the cost is $47 for USA Rugby paid online. If you played last year, you should have an account through which you can renew.
- Team Dues $150 paid via PayPal by searching "West Hartford Rugby" or Venmo @WestHartford-Rugby , 7206 to confirm
The following equipment is required, please bring these items to each practice:
- Mouth Guard (buy 3 you will lose 1 or 2 over the season) example rugby mouth piece, another
- Sneakers - we will be running during the practice
- Cleats - soccer cleats work, others will be evaluated for safety
- BLACK Rugby Shorts example1 example 2
- Sturdy Practice Jersey and T-Shirt
- Labeled Water Bottle
- Black Hearts Team Store
We look forward to seeing you on the pitch!
Club History
The West Hartford Black Hearts Rugby Club was formed in the Fall of 2010. A presentation was made to the Town of West Hartford All Sports Council, planting the seed to form a U-19 youth rugby team. A follow-up presentation resulted in an unanimous vote to include rugby for West Hartford’s youth.
In the Spring of 2011 two parent/player informational meetings were held to promote interest in the club along with local news postings. Despite the fact that fields were not yet available nine prospective players showed up to the first ever Black Hearts practice.
After a few false starts due to inclement weather, rain and snow, in April 2011 the team was able to practice on the pitch for the first time.
The focus of those early practice sessions was to learn the fundamentals of rugby with a goal of playing a regular high school spring rugby schedule. In June 2011, the Black Hearts played their inaugural match against Simsbury.
During the Spring of 2012 the Black Hearts accomplished their goal, playing a regular high school rugby schedule, finishing the season with a record of 3-3-1. On May 27, 2012 the Black Hearts competed, for the first time, in the Connecticut State High School rugby tournament, held at the Surf Club in Madison, CT.
Further club history was made on June 5, 2012 when the Black Hearts hosted Simsbury B in their first ever home match. Over 150 spectators showed up to see both teams leave it all on the pitch, as the Black Hearts scored a hard fought 39 to 17 victory.
Rugby Links
For more information about rugby or to learn some of the basics of the game, please visit the following links:
Interested in Black Hearts team merchandise or other rugby equipment:
Local Rugby
Major League Rugby
Connecticut’s Premier over 35’s Rugby Club
Hartford Connecticut Men’s Club
Hartford Connecticut Women's Club
West Hartford Black Hearts Photo Archive
Wethersfield Youth Rugby Club Photo Archive
The Wethersfield Youth Rugby Club ran from 2010-2018 as Greater Hartford's only youth rugby program for ages 6-14. Many WYRFC "Red Onions" players continued playing on with the Black Hearts into their High School years. The photo archive from those years is linked below.In 2019 WYRFC was renamed the Greater Hartford Youth Rugby Club.