Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for a listing of the most frequently asked questions regarding such issues as the South Pittsburgh Rugby Club, rugby in Pittsburgh, and sponsorship information.

FAQS:

What is the South Pittsburgh RFC?: The South Pittsburgh Hooligans Rugby Football Club is a Divison III men's rugby club in the Allegheny Rugby Union. We are also a member of the Midwest Rugby Union and USA Rugby, the governing body of all rugby in the United States. As a men's social club, we provide a solid rugby and social experience for both seasoned players and newcomers to the sport.
When was the club established?: The South Pittsburgh RFC was created in 1979 and has over 30 years of proud existence in the Pittsburgh area.
Where does the club play its home matches?: Our home pitch is located at St. Paul Seminary in Green Tree, PA on Noblestown Rd. However, due to current construction and renovation projects on the field the club will be utilizing different facilities until the spring season.
Where and when are practices held?: During the fall season practices are held at Keystone Oaks Middle on the field near the tennis courts. Times and locations are posted on the calendar on the main page of the website for any potential changes that may occur throughout the season. Spring practices are held at both Seton La Salle High School and Keystone Oaks High School. All times and dates are posted on the main calendar on the front page of the website also.
What equipment do I need to play?: Some sort of cleats (preferably rugby, but soccer or football cleats work) and a mouth piece. Rugby shorts can be purchased through various retailers but are not required so come check out the sport first before investing the money into it. Game jerseys are provided by the club.
Are there any costs to playing rugby?: Yes there are annual club dues for the fall and spring seasons. Unfortunately the club has many expenses that are associated with being a registered rugby club in America. However, due to our excellent accomodations and sponsorships we are proud to offer the lowest club dues in Pittsburgh. Current club member dues are only $75 and dues for new members are $40. We also do not ask new members to pay their dues until after they play in their first match to ensure that they are going to stick with the sport.
Where do you play when not at home?: Our fall conference schedule includes teams from Erie, Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, and Pittsburgh. In the late winter season we take a trip to play in a warm locale for a match or tournament. During the spring season we are open to traveling anywhere to play matches or tournaments. Some examples include Harrisburg, Washington D.C., Frederick, and Cincinnati.
Are there tryouts?: We are a social club primarily so membership is open to all. No tryouts are necessary. We encourage anyone to come check out the sport whether they are looking to compete in a thrilling and physical sport or they are just looking for an outlet to get some exercise and a reason to get out of the house and have a few beers!
What if I have never played before?: That's okay! We are happy to teach the sport of rugby to new club members every year. Many people are apprehensive about joining because they are have never even seen a rugby match before, but we like to remind everyone that every club member was in your shoes at one point whether they joined rugby in high school, college, or at the men's club level.
Where is Jamison's (the sponsor bar) located?: Jamison's is located at 3113 West Liberty Ave. in Dormont. It is a quick and easy drive from all practice and match locations and is minutes away from downtown Pittsburgh. If you are interested in rugby and would like to speak to some of the club members about rugby in person stop up any Thursday night during the season and we'll buy you a pint of Penn Pilsner!
I am interested in sponsoring the club, what are my options?: The club is always interested in increasing our sponsorship base. We accept monetary, service, or product sponsorships and are willing to work with interested sponsors to reach an amicable agreement. Any interested parties can email the club at hooligansrugby@gmail.com.
Is South Pittsburgh the only rugby club in Pittsburgh?: No, including South Pittsburgh, there are 4 clubs in Pittsburgh with 5 active teams. The Pittsburgh Harlequins are a Division I club that play their matches in Harmarville, the Pittsburgh City Rugby Club are a Divison II & III club that play their matches in Monroeville, and the Highlanders are a Division III club that play their matches on the North Side. Each club has different selling points for potential members but we hope that you like what you see in our club and decide that it is the right fit for you!