Winter touch rugby wrapped, practices start soon

Winter Touch Series Wrap-Up — Practices Start February 3rd

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the winter touch rugby series. With a milder-than-usual winter, we had great turnout, solid numbers on the field, and plenty of fast-paced, fun sessions that kept us fit and ready for the spring season. The emphasis was on skill work, fitness, and enjoying rugby in a relaxed, social setting — and that’s exactly what we got.

Highlights

• Strong attendance and great energy across all sessions.

• Excellent opportunities for fitness and skill development in a low-contact format.

• Newcomers mixing in with regulars and picking up the game quickly.

• Plenty of laughs, competitive moments, and teamwork as the temperature warmed.

A big thank you to everyone who came out — your time and enthusiasm helped make the winter series a success. It’s always inspiring to see the club community come together and support one another on and off the field.

Join us this Saturday, January 31st, at the David M Jaqua fields at Redmond High School, for our end of winter rugby 7’s Showcase with COCC players.

Practices — Starting February 3 We’ll begin regular practices on Tuesday, February 3. All are welcome — whether you’re a seasoned player or new to rugby.

• When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

• Runs: Through February (weather permitting), and into March as our men’s team season begins

• Where: Skyline Park and Sports Complex

Season Notes

• Men’s team season begins in March.

• Women’s season runs from February 28 through the end of March.

If you’re new to rugby or interested in getting back on the field, come to practice. The men’s club is open to all player levels and skills — bring a friend, come try it out, and see what Bend Rugby is all about.

Stay Updated Check the teams’ social pages for schedule changes, field updates, and further announcements.

See you on the pitch.

Winter Touch Rugby is back!

Winter Touch Rugby Series is Back!

Although traditional rugby in the Pacific Northwest takes a break for the winter, Bend Rugby’s activity doesn’t stop. Our Winter Touch Rugby series is returning to keep players conditioned, sharp, and engaged through the colder months.

Expect regular sessions primarily on weekends, with possible weekday games on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Locations and exact times are still being finalized, so keep an eye on our social media channels for the most current updates.

Whether you’re looking to maintain fitness, improve skills, or just enjoy some fun rugby moments with the community, our Winter Touch Rugby series is the perfect way to stay involved this season. Come join us!

TL;DR — Your First Rugby Practice (What to Expect)

Thinking about giving rugby a try? We love that. 💚🏉
Here’s what to expect at your first Bend Rugby practice:

• 🕕 Men’s team Practices

  • When: Tuesday & Thursday nights, 6:30–8:00pm

  • 📍Where: Skyline Sports Complex

• 🕕 Women’s team Practices

  • When: Tuesday & Thursday nights, 6:00–8:00pm

  • 📍Where: Skyline Sports Complex

• 👟What to bring: Athletic gear, water, boots (if you have them — runners are fine to start)

• 🤝 Who’s welcome: Adults 18+, all experience levels — especially total beginners!

• 🧠 What we’ll do: Warm-ups, skills, game-style drills, and a lot of laughing

• 💬 What we say: Ask questions, take breaks, and stick around after — the best part of rugby is the people.

No experience? No problem. Just show up. We’ve got you.

➡️ DM us with questions or to let us know you're coming!
📅 Men’s Practices begin Tuesday, August 12
📱 Follow along for any last-minute field/weather updates in our stories!

“My First Practice” — What to Expect When You Try Rugby

So… you’ve been thinking about it.
Maybe you watched a match at the Cascade Classic.
Maybe a friend said “You’d love rugby,”
Or maybe you just want a new way to get active, meet people, or try something that actually looks fun.

We hear it all the time — and we’ve all been there.
This is your invitation: Come to practice.

Whether you’re curious, coming back after time off, or trying sport for the first time ever… this one’s for you.

What happens at practice?

Men’s team Practices:

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:30–8:00 PM
Skyline Sports Complex | Bend, OR

Women’s team Practices:

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00–8:00 PM
Skyline Sports Complex | Bend, OR

You’ll start with a warmup — nothing fancy. Just get the body moving, do a bit of running, and maybe try out a pass or two.

We keep things inclusive, low-pressure, and fun. Most practices involve:

• Passing and catching (no spiral required)

• Footwork and evasion drills (ever played tag? You’re halfway there.)

• Tackling and contact (totally optional — and fully coached for safety)

• Game-style scenarios (we might run touch or controlled contact games)

We wrap up with a stretch, a few laughs, and probably an invite to grab a drink with the team.

What should I bring?

• Comfortable workout clothes

• Cleats (soccer/rugby preferred — but runners are just fine to start)

• Water bottle

• A positive attitude (no really — we’ve got everything else)

I’ve never played before. Is that okay?

Absolutely.
We want beginners.
Many of our players had their first taste of rugby as adults. Some never played a sport before joining Bend Rugby.

We’ll walk you through the basics, pair you with a buddy if needed, and make sure you feel welcome from minute one. You’ll learn by doing, laughing, and playing. That’s rugby.

Do I have to tackle people?

Not unless you want to.
We’ll introduce contact gradually, with full coaching and safety in mind. We have tackling drills where you’re not tackling a person, but a pad or column. However, if you’d rather stick to non-contact? That’s cool too.

(Also — ask us about our touch rugby program if you want to play, run, and pass without the hits.)

Will I be fit enough?

Rugby makes you fitter — you don’t have to “be fit” before you start.
We scale drills to every level, and we’ll never make you do something that feels unsafe or out of reach. Promise.

Why do people stick with it?

Here’s the thing about rugby: it’s not just a sport.
It’s a team, a social life, a support system, and a weekly reminder that you can do hard things — and have fun doing them.

You’ll meet people from all walks of life, of all shapes and sizes.
You’ll make friends, laugh a lot, and discover just how strong you already are.

👣 Ready to give it a go?

Men’s team first practice: Tuesday, August 12
📍 Skyline Sports Complex – 6:30–8:00pm

Women’s team First practice: Tuesday, August 12
📍 Skyline Sports Complex – 6:00–8:00pm

✅ Just bring yourself (and maybe a water bottle).
💬 DM us with questions — or just show up and say hi.

We’ve saved you a spot!

TL;DR — Your Quick Guide to the Cascade Classic

📅 August 23, 2025 — Mark your calendars!

The Cascade Classic returns to Bend for another summer of rugby, rivalry, and good times. This isn't just a tournament — it’s a PNW tradition over 20 years strong.

Expect big hits, huge runs, and friendly competition, all wrapped in a family-friendly, social atmosphere.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the crew, the camp chairs, and your sunscreen — it gets hot in the high desert!

🍔 Bend Blues Burger Shack (supporting youth rugby)
🍺 Deschutes beer trailer
🧢 Club merch tent
🏉 Old Boys Game at halftime – rugby for all ages, even the “retired”

Whether you’re watching one match or staying for the whole day, you’ll have plenty to see and folks around to explain the game.

📱 Follow Bend Rugby on Instagram & Facebook for updates, the game-day schedule, and behind-the-scenes action.

Grab your crew and head to the fields on August 23 — food, drinks, and a full day of high-energy rugby await.

Cascade Classic 2025 – Rugby, Rivalry & a Whole Lot of Fun

📅 Save the date: Saturday, August 23, 2025

It’s almost time for Bend Rugby’s annual Cascade Classic — a high desert summer tradition that brings teams and fans together from across the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're new to rugby or a long-time player, there's something for everyone at this full-day tournament.

A Preseason Party with Bragging Rights

The Cascade Classic is social, competitive, and very Bend. It’s our preseason tournament — nothing’s on the line except the trophy and serious bragging rights. It’s always fun, but make no mistake — everyone wants to beat the host teams and take that cup home.

After narrowly missing out in the final last year, we’re coming for it this time. Expect energy, rivalry, and a whole lot of heart on the field.

Over 20 Years of High Desert Rugby

Did you know Bend Rugby has hosted the Classic for over two decades? It’s become a staple of the summer rugby calendar in the PNW. Some players have been coming for years — others are new to the game. Either way, they all share a love for this unique sport and this unique place.

Halftime Highlight: The Old Boys Game

If you think rugby ends at 35, think again. Our Old Boys Game at halftime features retired players, long-time supporters, and even some “old boys” who are still suiting up regularly. It's a reminder that rugby isn't just a sport — it’s a lifelong community.

Want to play, but not into the contact side? Ask us about touch rugby — a great option for all ages and skill levels.

Come Hungry, Come Thirsty

The tournament’s more than just games. We’ve got:

• 🍔 Bend Blues Burger Shack – All proceeds support our youth team.

• 🍺 Deschutes Brewery beer trailer – Local pints to enjoy pitchside.

• 🧢 Club merch tent – Grab mugs, koozies, shirts, and more in support of all three Bend Rugby teams.

Tips for First-Time Spectators

New to rugby? Here’s what to know:

• Watch the ball – It’ll show you where the action is.

• Big runs, tackles, and open-field breaks are easiest to follow.

• Scrums and set pieces may look chaotic but are part of the structure.

• You’ll hear fans yell things like “Not releasing!” or “Come on ref!” — it’s all part of the fun.

Want to learn more during the match? Rugby fans are friendly — ask someone near you!

Know Before You Go

• Arrive early for the best viewing spots.

• Bring camp chairs, sun umbrellas, water, and sunscreen.

• Restrooms and food available on site.

• Multiple fields = multiple games, so feel free to wander and explore.

📸 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for schedule graphics, team updates, and live coverage during the day. We’ll post the game schedule once all teams are registered.

Whether you’re here for one match or the whole day, the Cascade Classic is a chance to experience rugby the way it’s meant to be: loud, fast, friendly, and full of heart. Come support local players, enjoy some top-notch rugby, and see why Bend is the perfect summer home for this tournament. We’ll see you pitchside!

Rugby 101: TL:DR

TL;DR Version — For the Curious Scroll-By Crowd

What is Rugby?
A fast-paced, full-contact sport that combines the strategy of football, the flow of soccer, and the toughness of… well, rugby. Two teams, 15 players each, and no forward passing allowed!

How to Score:

• 🏉 Try = 5 points (Physically touch ball down in opponent’s in-goal)

• 🎯 Conversion (always after a try) = 2 points

• 🦵 Penalty Kick or Drop Goal = 3 points

Key Positions:

• Forwards (1–8): Big, strong, handle scrums and rucks.

• Backs (9–15): Fast, agile, handle passing and scoring.

Watch Like a Pro:

• See a player sprinting? They’re likely a back.

• A pile of bodies on the ground? That’s a ruck!

• A line of players jumping for the ball? That’s a lineout.

No pads, no helmets — just respect, sportsmanship, and serious hustle.
Ready to see it in action?

💥 Come to the Cascade Classic — Central Oregon’s biggest rugby event
🌟 Try out our Summer Touch Rugby Series — no contact, all fun
📩 Want in? DM us or visit or socials

Rugby’s for everyone. See you on the sideline (or the pitch)!

Rugby 101 (A Beginner’s Guide to the Game)

Full-Length Version — For the New Fan, Player, or Curious Parent

Whether you’ve never seen a rugby ball or you’ve just heard us shouting “Crouch, bind, set!” across the park, this guide is for you. With the Cascade Classic coming up and our Touch Rugby series in full swing, now’s the perfect time to understand what the sport is all about — and how you can get involved.

🧠 The Basics: What is Rugby?

Rugby is a fast-paced team sport played with an oval-shaped ball. Think of it as football’s cousin — but with fewer stoppages, no helmets, and a whole lot more running. It’s played on a field about the size of a soccer pitch, and features 15 players per team (in most formats).

You’ll see passing (only backwards or sideways), kicking, tackling, and non-stop action — especially when it comes to turnovers, lineouts, scrums, and breakaway runs.

🔢 How Do You Score?

• Try (5 points): Touch the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area (similar to an end zone).

• Conversion Kick (2 points): After a try, kick the ball through the uprights. Taken from a position in a straight line back from where the ball was touched down

• Penalty Kick (3 points): Awarded after certain infractions. Taken from the place the penalty was awarded

• Drop Goal (3 points): Kicked through the posts during open play.

🧍‍♂️ Positions Explained

Rugby is divided into two groups of players:

• Forwards (Numbers 1–8): These are your strong, gritty players who love scrums, lineouts, and rucks. Think of them as the engine room.

• Backs (Numbers 9–15): Speedy, elusive, and tactical — they’re responsible for breaking open defenses and scoring tries.

👀 What to Watch For As a Fan

• Scrum: When play resets after a minor infringement. Eight players (the forwards) from each team bind together and push for possession.

• Ruck: When players contest the ball on the ground after a tackle.

• Lineout: Used to restart play when the ball goes out of bounds. Players (the forwards) lift teammates to catch the throw-in.

• Big Runs & Breaks: Keep your eyes on #11–15 — they’re usually the ones flying down the sideline.

Rugby is continuous — so action happens fast. But don’t worry, the crowd is usually full of friendly fans happy to explain what just happened.

Scrum

Ruck

Lineout

🌟 Variations of Rugby

There’s a style of rugby for everyone:

• 15s: The traditional, full-format game.

• 7s: Faster, shorter, Olympic-style rugby with 7 players per side.

• Touch Rugby: No tackling, just tags or touches — fun, fast, and beginner-friendly.

📍 Bend Rugby’s Touch Rugby Series is open to everyone — no experience required. It’s perfect for new players, parents, or anyone who wants to get moving, meet people, and enjoy some music and laughs on a summer evening.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Rugby in Bend

Rugby is alive and thriving in Central Oregon.

• Youth & High School Programs: Through our Bend Blues program

• College: Central Oregon Community College

• Adult Teams: Men’s and Women’s senior teams

• Off-Season Touch: Fun, fitness, and community vibes

Our players and coaches are passionate about sharing the game. Stop by a session, say hi at the burger shack during the Classic, or message us if you’re curious. Whether you’re 8 or 58, there’s a place for you in rugby.

📣 Call to Action

Want to try rugby? Or just watch some hard-hitting, fast-paced action this summer?

🗓️ Come to the Cascade Classic
📍 Pine Nursery Park — A full day of rugby, food trucks, and family fun.
👟 Join our Touch Rugby Series
🎟️ More info can be found on our socials

No experience necessary. Just show up — or reach out.
Rugby’s for everyone. Especially in Bend.