Washington Renegades RFC Est. 1998
Play rugby. Find your community.
Washington, D.C.’s LGBTQ+ inclusive men’s rugby club. No rugby experience required—come try a practice.
New to rugby? Wear athletic clothes, bring water, and we’ll guide you from there.
Next Practice
On as scheduledUpcoming practice
7:45–10:00 PM
NEW PLAYERS
No experience? You belong here.
Most people who join the Renegades did not grow up playing rugby. You do not need to be an athlete
first. You only need to show up.
| 01
Learn the gameCoaches and teammates help beginners get started. We teach the basics at practice—no homework required. |
02
Show up as you areAn LGBTQ+ inclusive, welcoming community. Players of every identity, background, and experience level train together. |
03
Play at your levelNew and experienced players share the field. You will be challenged at your comfort level, not thrown into a match on day one. |
04
Find your peopleTeam socials, community events, and friendships beyond the field. Rugby is the reason we gather—the people are why we stay. |
YOUR FIRST VISIT
What your first practice is like
There is no application and no tryout. RSVP so we can greet you, then come see how it feels.
- 1
RSVP for a practice
Tell us you are coming. We will send the meeting point, what to wear, and who to look for.
- 2
Meet a teammate when you arrive
Someone will be watching for new faces. You will not have to wander the field wondering who to talk to.
- 3
Train at your comfort level
Beginners work on movement, passing, and the shape of the game. You control how much contact you take.
- 4
Join us afterward if you want
The team often heads to a nearby spot after practice. Totally optional—come for the rugby, stay for the people.
COME AS YOU ARE
What to bring
For your first practice, bring athletic clothes and water. If you have a mouthguard or cleats, bring them—but do not let gear stop you from coming.
Not sure what gear you need? RSVP first and we’ll help you figure it out.
Rugby boots or soccer cleats are both fine. No single toe cleat. Rubber blades are acceptable; hard plastic blades are not. Athletic shoes are okay for your first visit if you do not own cleats yet.
A mouthguard is strongly recommended and required for contact. Buy a boil-and-bite guard at any sporting goods store. If you do not have one yet, come anyway—we will tell you exactly what to get.
Rugby shorts (thicker fabric) or regular gym shorts. Wear what you have.
A T-shirt or jersey. You do not need a rugby jersey for practice.
Bring a bottle. Practice runs about two hours; you will want to hydrate.
A towel is useful. The team often socializes afterward, so a clean shirt and shorts or jeans are handy if you want to come along.
PLAYER STORIES
From people who showed up once
You do not have to already belong. Most of us started as the new person at practice.
“I just fell in love with the game and with the guys, and I’ve never looked back.”
Player since 2003
“I’ve really developed a family. We support creating a space that’s open, inclusive, and safe for anyone who wants to come and learn and have a good time.”
Player
“There’s an understanding. We all play this sport. We all are putting our bodies on the line for this.”
Community engagement
THE CLUB
A club with history - and spot for you
Founded in 1998, the Washington Renegades welcome players regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, income, or rugby experience. We compete, we gather, and we take care of our people.
- Founded 1998
More than 25 years of rugby in Washington, D.C. - First in North America
The first LGBTQ+ inclusive men’s rugby club on the continent. - Affiliated and competing
Capital Rugby Union, USA Rugby, and International Gay Rugby. Division III and Division IV sides in the Mid-Atlantic. - Community beyond the pitch
Charitable and local work including Cardozo High School, Food & Friends, DCPS, and Flight 93 remembrance.
RSVP for your first practice
This is not an application. It just lets us know you are coming so we can greet you.
RSVP
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you come
No. Complete beginners train with the team every week. Coaches and teammates will teach you the game at practice.
No. The Renegades are an LGBTQ+ inclusive men’s rugby club. We welcome players regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, income, or rugby experience.
Athletic clothes and shoes you can move in, plus a water bottle. If you have cleats or a mouthguard, bring them. If not, come anyway.
No. Cleats help on turf, but they should not stop you from coming. Rugby or soccer cleats are both fine when you are ready—no single toe cleat.
A mouthguard is required for contact and strongly recommended from the start. If you do not have one yet, RSVP and come to practice—we will help you get the right one.
Yes. RSVP so we know to look for you. You are welcome to watch, meet the team, and join in when you are ready.
You can come try practice without joining first. If you decide to keep playing, we will walk you through membership dues and USA Rugby registration. Ask us when you RSVP if cost is a concern—do not let it keep you away.
A player waiver is required before contact. You can complete it ahead of time or we will help you do it around your first practice. Open the player waiver.
We practice at Cardozo High School Track & Field, 1248 Florida Ave NW. After you RSVP, we send the exact meeting point and who to look for—usually a group in blue and red on the field.
The field is near the U Street and Shaw-Howard University Metro stations (Green/Yellow lines). Street parking around Cardozo is limited, so transit or a drop-off is often easier.
QUESTIONS
Have a question first?
Send a note to the club. You do not need to email a specific person—we will get it to the right teammate.
Club inbox: secretary.renegades@gmail.com
