Newcomer Info

There is still time to walk onto the UA rugby team! Report to training at Rincon Vista((Rincon Vista Map.pdf) on Tuesday, January 14 (The day before classes begin) at 2:00 p.m. Meet at the Rincon vista rugby pitch.

Regardless of previous experience, all newcomers will train together for at least six weeks. Newcomers will not train on the weekends during the month of September. However, Saturday training and competition will be introduced in October. The newcomers will play at least four competitions in the fall semester.

Spring Schedule Highlights for Arizona Rugby Newcomers

Tuesday, January 14: 1st Newcomer Training
Rincon Vista Pitch (2-4PM)

Wednesday, January 15: Classes Begin

Thursday, January 16: 2nd Newcomer Training
Rincon Vista Pitch, 4-6 p.m..

The Newcomer Program will train AT LEAST every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Usual seesion length: 2 hrs

Newcomers are invited to attend varsity training on Monday and Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. on the Mall

Academics

Players must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average to remain eligible for active membership (Nearly half of the team members achieved a 3.0 GPA in 2008-2009)

Pima College Students may train with the team and play for the junior varsity or newcomer teams.

Players must be enrolled in at least six units in the fall and at least 12 units in the spring to be eligible.

More detailed eligibility requirements will be presented at the the Newcomer Orientation on 16 September.

In General

The full varsity and newcomer schedules will be posted on the web site on or about September 1, 2008. www.wildcatrugby.org

Players may be assimilated into the varsity/ junior varsity teams on the basis of ability in November. The Varsity season begins with matches in northern California in early November.

Fall newcomer dues are $135.00. Included in the newcomer package will be practise shorts; practise socks; Gilbert Rugby Ball; and team t-shirt. Newcomers must furnish their own cleats, running shoes, mouth piece. ( As players progress in the system, a practise jersey and additional equipment will be required.) Dues will be collected before the September 29 training session. T-shirts and athletic shorts will be acceptable for practise until then.

Newcomers should continue with their current strength and conditioning programs through the summer. A UA Rugby Fitness program will be introduced to newcomers at orientation. Emphasis on upper body strength as well as aerobic fitness is recommended.

The Varsity teams (A & B ) compete in the Premiere Division of the SoCal Conference. The newcomer squads compete against colleges at large, some JV matches, and the third division of the Arizona Rugby Union.