Youth rugby that builds more than athletes.

Austin Blacks Youth Rugby gives kids ages 4–18 a game that challenges them physically, builds real character, and connects them to a community they'll carry for life.

  • Ages: 4–18, boys and girls

  • Location: Burr Field, East Austin

  • Season: January - April

  • Practice Schedule: 2x per week (evenings), Saturdays if no game

  • Registration: Opens November 2026

  • Cost: $75 USA Rugby, $200 Austin Blacks Youth, $170 Uniform Kit

  • Organization: Austin Blacks Youth is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit

We never want financial burden to prohibit a family from experiencing rugby, please contact us to discuss scholarship opportunities.

Youth rugby players
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About

Austin Blacks Youth Rugby is organized and run as a nonprofit under the Austin Rugby Club umbrella. Our coaches are trained and certified through USA Rugby, and our program follows USA Rugby's player development pathway — which means age-appropriate game formats, proper skills progression, and an emphasis on safety at every level.

Young players learn passing, catching, running, and decision-making in a structured but fun environment. As they develop, they have the opportunity to compete in Texas Youth Rugby Union events and tournaments.

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What rugby teaches

Rugby is one of the few sports where every player touches the ball and every player contributes to defense. It builds physical confidence, spatial awareness, and the kind of team-first mentality that transfers well beyond the pitch.

Safety

Player safety is the program's first priority. Youth Rugby follows USA Rugby's age-grade regulations, which include modified rules and non-contact or limited-contact formats for younger age groups. All coaches hold current USA Rugby coaching certifications. Tackling is introduced gradually and only when players have the skills and physical maturity to participate safely.

A group of young boys in matching Austin Blacks jerseys, sitting and standing on wooden steps outside the Austin Blacks clubhouse after a friendly match with Katy, enjoying snacks and drinks, with backpacks around them.

How to register

  1. Join USA Rugby and sign waiver via Rugby Xplorer

  2. Complete the Austin Blacks Youth online registration form and pay program dues

  3. Purchase uniform kit

  4. Show up to the first practice. Cleats and a mouthguard recommended

Ready to get started?

Sign up to stay informed, or reach out directly to our youth coaches. "Try Rugby" events happen regularly, free, no-commitment ways to experience the sport and meet players and coaches.

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Austin Blacks Youth on the Pitch

Every big play starts with a team that believes. Watch ours in action.

GALLERY

  • "Rugby has been a brand new sport to our two sons that play and our entire family! It has been so much fun watching them play something new and have grown to love. The coaches have made it such a fun experience!"

    — Ashley P.

  • "I love rugby because you get to tackle people. I also love it because when you have the ball even if you get tackled you can keep going.""

    — Dawson P.

  • "The best part is playing scrimmages at the end [of practice] against each other. I love doing conditioning together as a team and getting to play with friends."

    — Will J.

  • "I love rugby because I get to hit people."

    — Rogan P.

  • "I like tackling the big people, and once you get them on the ground, it feels like you accomplished something difficult."

    — Ted J.

  • "I like Austin Blacks Rugby because of the contact and community of the sport. I like how the coaches are always encouraging and engaging with our team.

    — Wyatt B.

Meet the Team

  • Close-up of a smiling man with a beard and shaved head, wearing a checkered shirt, in front of a wooden background.

    Brendon Saul

    YOUTH RUGBY DIRECTOR
    bsaul@austinrugby.com

  • A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair, wearing a black sweater over a white collared shirt, sitting indoors in front of green plants.

    Rob Schulkins

    YOUTH RUGBY DIRECTOR
    rschulkins@austinrugby.com

  • A man with short dark hair and a mustache, smiling, wearing a suit jacket and a gray shirt, standing in front of a background with text and logos.

    Ryan Little

    BOARD PRESIDENT

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything parents need to know about Austin Blacks Youth Rugby, from first practice to game day.

Two young boys standing outdoors on a grassy field, smiling at the camera; one is wearing a black and gray athletic hoodie, shorts, and patterned sneakers, the other is in a black hoodie, shorts, and slip-on shoes; in the background, there are other children and a coach, with a tennis court and trees behind them.

  • Boys and girls ages 4-18 with teams for U8, U10, U14 and High School.

  • No, players of all experience levels are welcome. Our coaches will teach your child the fundamentals and develop their game in a safe, supportive environment from day one.

  • Participating involves the following fees: $200 club fee, $75 USA Rugby fee, $170 uniform kit.

  • Aside from the player kit, athletes will need cleats and a mouthguard. Scrum caps are optional but recommended.

  • Burr Field, located at 6013 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78724

  • Player safety is our top priority. All coaches are trained in age-appropriate rugby techniques and follow USA Rugby safety guidelines. Contact and tackling are introduced gradually and only when players are developmentally ready.

  • Austin Blacks Youth Rugby begins with preseason workouts in December with practices kicking off in January. Single day tournaments occur late January through April. Some age groups may have the opportunity for an extended season of Rugby Summer 7s, if interested.

  • Austin Blacks Youth Rugby is committed to a respectful, inclusive environment. Coaches address conflict directly and constructively, emphasizing the rugby values of respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Parents are always kept informed of any issues involving their child.

  • We welcome parent volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible. Reach out to info@austinrugby.com to learn how to get involved.

Get started today.

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