The Austin Blacks Rugby Club

The Austin Blacks Rugby Club was founded in Austin, Texas in the spring of 1967 and is a founding member of the Texas Rugby Union. For more than five decades, the Blacks have been the standard-bearers of competitive rugby in Texas — fielding four full men's sides in USA Rugby's Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, and Division 4 competitions, and developing a thriving youth program for players ages 4 to 18.

Who we are

The Austin Blacks are known nationally for both their winning record and the culture they've built around it. Players from across the globe — New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, Argentina, and beyond — have traveled to Austin to don the black jersey, and many describe it as one of the best rugby experiences of their lives.

The club competes out of Burr Field, a 30-acre private facility in East Austin that includes three regulation pitches, a clubhouse, two changing rooms, and a weight room. It is one of only two rugby clubs in the entire United States to own its own grounds and clubhouse.

What we’ve won

The Blacks have built one of the most decorated records in American club rugby:

  • Texas Rugby Union (TRU) Championships: 1970, 1971, 1980, 1981, 1984

  • D1 Texas Champions 17 of the last 20 years

  • D3 USA Rugby National Champions: 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024

  • D1 USA Rugby National Champions: 2023

  • D1 National Championship Runner-Up: 2001, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2016, 2019

  • First US club to win all three divisions of a competitive region simultaneously (2019, RRRC)

  • First US club to send all three men's sides to the National Round of 16 simultaneously

A man smiling and holding a large silver trophy while wearing a medal around his neck, at a sports field during daytime.

Our Mission

The Austin Blacks are committed to winning at every level while building a club that Austin is proud to call its own. We compete to win national championships. We welcome players of every background and experience level. And we invest in the next generation through our youth program, because the best clubs are built over decades, not seasons.

Our Facility

The club's home, Burr Field, is located in East Austin and features three full-sized rugby pitches, a 1,500 sq. ft. clubhouse, two changing rooms, and a weight room. The facility is available to rent for corporate events, community gatherings, and sporting competitions. To inquire about availability, contact info@austinrugby.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Austin Blacks Rugby Club is a men's and youth rugby organization based in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1967, it is the oldest rugby club in the American Southwest and one of the most decorated clubs in the United States, with six national championship titles.

  • The Austin Blacks play and train at Burr Field, a privately owned 30-acre facility in East Austin, Texas. The address is accessible via austinrugby.com/contact.

  • The Austin Blacks field three men's sides competing in USA Rugby's Division 1 (Premier), Division 2, and Division 3 competitions within the Red River Rugby Conference (RRRC) and the Texas Rugby Union (TRU).

  • New players of all experience levels are welcome. Visit austinrugby.com/join to learn about practice schedules, dues, and how to register via Rugby Xplorer. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 PM at Burr Field.

  • No. The Austin Blacks welcome players with no prior rugby experience. Beginners are introduced to the game at training and placed on a side that fits their current level.

  • The Austin Blacks have won USA Rugby National Championships in 2018 (D3), 2019 (D3), 2023 (D1 and D3), and 2024 (D3). They have also been D1 national runners-up multiple times since 2000.

  • Yes. Austin Blacks Youth Rugby is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 18. The program is organized under a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit and offers recreational and competitive rugby in a safe, inclusive environment.

  • The youth rugby program operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The adult club is organized as a member-run corporation and is one of the longest-running rugby organizations in Texas.