Train with the squad
You train with the senior squad from your first night. The skills work is set up so players of every level can take part, and you get fit by playing.
Men's and women's training is Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm, Brockton Oval.
Get directions
New or returning to rugby
If you've never played, or haven't played in years, come to training on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6:30pm. You'll train with the main squad from your first night.
Who starts here
Most weeks there's someone at training in their first month. Some have never played. Others played at school or university, had years off, and want to get back into it. Plenty have just moved to Vancouver.
There's no separate beginners' session. You train with the squad on Tuesday and Thursday, and the coaches fit the basics into the normal session.
You train with the senior squad from your first night. The skills work is set up so players of every level can take part, and you get fit by playing.
Once you and the coaches think you're ready, you'll be picked for a Saturday game. The men play in the BC Rugby Premiership and Division 1, and the women in Division 2.
Teams are picked on form, fitness and availability each week, so you can work your way up as your game improves.
Your first night
Get to Brockton Oval for 6:15pm so a coach can meet you and answer any questions. The session starts with a warm-up, moves on to skills and then game scenarios, and finishes with a cool-down around 8:00pm.
You'll take part in everything from the warm-up onwards. The coaches will know you're new and explain anything you haven't seen before.
Afterwards, some of the squad head to the clubhouse on Coal Harbour, and you're welcome to come.
Common questions
Come to a Tuesday or Thursday training at Brockton Oval in Stanley Park. Get there for 6:15pm and a coach will meet you, explain how the session works and put you in a group. Training starts at 6:30pm and finishes around 8:00pm.
Yes. Plenty of VRC players stepped away from rugby for years and came back. You don't need to be match fit on day one. Train with the squad, build your fitness over a few weeks, and the coaches will pick you when you're ready.
No. Rugby's rules are easier to learn on the pitch than from a book. The coaches and other players explain things as you go, and by the end of your first session you'll know enough to follow a game.
Boots if you have them, otherwise turf shoes or trainers are fine to start. Bring shorts, a t-shirt and water. You'll need a mouthguard once you start contact work, which most Vancouver sports shops sell for under $20.
It depends on your fitness and how quickly you pick it up. Most new players train for a few weeks before their first game. The coaches will talk to you about it, and you won't be put in a game before you're ready.
Your first training session is free. If you decide to keep playing, season fees cover BC Rugby registration and VRC Rugby membership. We'll send you this season's fees and the registration steps after your first session.
Come train with us
Training starts at 6:30pm at Brockton Oval. Get there 15 minutes early and a coach will meet you.
Join the RowersPrefer to start without contact? Summer touch rugby is non-contact. Or read why people play for the Rowers and how to get to Brockton.