Families interested in learning more about the sport or registering for the upcoming season can attend one of the November or December camps for information. Camps are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 22 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6. Hosted at Hall Park, 450 Hall Park Dr., attendees are encouraged to bring cleats and water. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Solano-Yolo Rugby Club is preparing for its upcoming youth rugby season with two introductory camps scheduled for Nov. 22 and Dec. 6. The sessions are designed to introduce new players to the sport while helping returning athletes build fundamental skills.

Club President Kelley Evans said the camps will focus on basic rugby skills in a non-contact, supportive environment.

“They will receive a basic introduction to rugby in a fun environment,” said Evans. “There will be no tackling or physical contact, just a focus on skills like passing the ball, running and evading.”

The camps will be led by head coach Rick Flynn, along with several assistant coaches, including US Rugby Hall of Famer Steve Gray. According to Evans, the preseason sessions are open to all youth interested in the sport.

“They’re not essential, but they provide a solid foundation and introduction to the game,” said Evans. “We welcome anybody and doing the camp is a good way to get an early start on the season.”

Middle school practices are set to begin the week after the Dec. 6 camp, while the season for under-12 and under-10 divisions will run from early January through March. The high school team will begin preseason practices in January, with league play starting in March and continuing through May. Photo by Nicolas Brown

The Solano-Yolo Rugby Club draws players from Dixon, Vacaville, Davis, Woodland and Winters, serving students from second grade through 12th grade. Middle school practices are set to begin the week after the Dec. 6 camp, while the season for under-12 and under-10 divisions will run from early January through March. The high school team will begin preseason practices in January, with league play starting in March and continuing through May.

According to Evans, the club’s high school team is looking forward to the 2026 season after reaching the final of the Silver Division last year.

“We came up short, but the team was playing superbly by the end of the year,” said Evans. “We’re excited because we have a lot of returning players.”

The Solano-Yolo program emphasizes teamwork, discipline and respect; Evans considers these core values of the sport.

“The greatest hallmarks of rugby are teamwork, learning to work with and support others, and respect, not just for yourself and the team, but for the opposition, the referee and the game,” said Evans. “It’s a tough game physically, but it is a very rewarding experience for building character within the players.”

The club also hopes to expand participation among younger age groups, particularly under-12 and under-10 players. Last season, the club’s under-10 team served as mascots for the U.S. vs. Japan international rugby match in Sacramento. According to Evans, this experience highlights the unique opportunities rugby offers young athletes.

Rugby’s growing popularity in the United States is another factor fueling the club’s outreach efforts.

“In 2031, the U.S. will host the Men’s Rugby World Cup, and in 2033, the women’s,” said Evans. “The U.S. will soon be under the spotlight of rugby. The high school players of 2026 may be on the international team of 2031.”

Rugby has deep roots in the Solano-Yolo region. Dixon High School won the National High School Rugby Championship in 2012, following Vacaville’s national title in 2007. Davis native Thretton Palamo went on to play 19 times for the U.S. National Team, and Woodland’s Babe Slater captained the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1924.

Families interested in learning more about the sport or registering for the upcoming season can attend one of the November or December camps for information. Camps are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 22 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6. Hosted at Hall Park, 450 Hall Park Dr., attendees are encouraged to bring cleats and water.

“Our main goals are to provide a rewarding experience for youth in our community, foster respect for others and teamwork, and to provide enjoyment,” said Evans. “We want to grow the program.”

For more information, visit soloyouthrugby.com, or contact Kelley Evans at 916-761-3467.