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!

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)!