A new club has arrived on campus: the rugby club.
Founded by junior and club president Dante Agostini, the club aims to introduce and grow interest in the sport within the school community.
“The Kinkaid rugby club is dedicated to providing beginners and newcomers a community to learn about and engage in rugby. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where students interested in rugby can explore the sport with their peers,” Agostini said.
The rugby club comprises 12 players—five with previous rugby experience and the rest who are new to the sport.
“The physically and mentally demanding nature of rugby requires strength, teamwork, and quick decision-making, qualities integral to a Kinkaid student’s overall development,” the club’s secretar Jackson Holton, a junior, said.
One goal for the club this year is to travel to a game of the local Houston rugby team, the Sabercats. The Sabercats play at Houston Sports Park, 15 minutes south of downtown. The club and anyone who wants to join it may be able to go to a game during the spring of 2025 when the season starts again.
The rugby club has also contacted Memorial’s well-established rugby program to arrange a scrimmage or joint practice later in the year. Although the official rugby season for Houston high schools starts in January, practices are year-round.
“We believe this would be a great opportunity for both Memorial and Kinkaid to promote rugby in our community and gain valuable experience through gameplay and practices,” Agostini said.
Members of the rugby club are looking forward to setting the stage for future scrimmages with Memorial High School and perhaps a friendly rivalry on the rugby field.
As the season progresses, both schools will work together to promote rugby within their communities.
