Welcome
Our Purpose
TIRA was established for the purpose of providing a governance structure focused on the development of Rugby Union Football ("Rugby") within Texas' public and private schools. Through the formation of school-based teams, coach and player education, coordination of interscholastic competitions and strong advocacy, Rugby will become an adopted as a varsity sport among schools and the state athletic associations.
FAQs About TIRA Participation
Does rugby have to be a varsity sport at my school for my team to compete in TIRA?
No. Rugby is still developing in most schools. Most teams are supported by the formation of a student initiated rugby club at their school.
When is the competitive season?
At the high school level, female teams play during the fall semester and male teams play during the spring semester. Both seasons are approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
What version of rugby is played?
The version of play depends on your Tier level. Our goal is to be adaptive enough to encourage team development at the most schools as possible.
Most teams play 7- or 10-a-side in Tier-2. New / developing female teams may play 5- or 6-a-side in Tier-3. As more schools develop consistency in roster sizes, TIRA will open up Tier-1 to play 12- or 15-a-side.
What if we don't have a coach?
TIRA will work with the faculty-advisor of your school's rugby club or your principal to find a coach from your community and/or provide training and mentoring for a teacher willing to learn. Many schools already have a teacher or athletic coach that plays or has played rugby. We have found that wrestling coaches also make great rugby coaches as well as football coaches. Really it's just a matter of interest and willingness.
What does it cost?
TIRA is a volunteer based organization dedicated to growing rugby in Texas schools. Our fees are a lot less than other rugby associations. So, teams can focus on securing uniforms, balls, and other essential items. As a general rule, plan on $50 to $100 per player to get started. A fraction of the cost of most club sports that are not funded through the athletic department.
For a varsity rugby team the costs are similar in costs to supporting a varsity soccer team.
Whether you're a club or varsity team, consider doing fundraising activities as well as any pursue assistance from the athletic booster club and/or school administration to help offset your operational costs.
Why Play Rugby
It's awesome.
Everyone gets to tackle and carry the ball. Anyone can score!
There are many cross-over skills that directly benefit basketball, football, wrestling, soccer and track.
Get in shape / stay in shape for other sports.
There is a position for all body types.
Improve confidence on the field and in life.
It's an inclusive sport.
The rules are the same for boys and girls at all levels.
Develop composure under pressure.
Respect is a core value.
It's an Olympic sport for men and women (since 2016).
Opportunities to play in college as a varsity sport.
Opportunities to play professionally.
And, many other benefits.
Quick Facts About Rugby
American Football was derived from Rugby Football.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports world-wide. It is played on every continent with nearly 100 Countries supporting national rugby teams for men and women.
The Rugby World Cup is the third most watched sports event after the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup/Football World Cup.
Seven-a-side (7s) Rugby became an Olympic Sport in 2016.
Professional Rugby is played in 14 Countries, including the United States. Texas is home to the Dallas Jackals and the Houston Sabercats, who are part of Major League Rugby (MLR).
Mexico will have its first MLR in 2025, taking advantage of the growth of Rugby in the state of Nuevo Leon and the nation generally as well as along Texas' southwest border.
Many top NFL and College Football Programs have adopted rugby-style tackling to improve safety and defensive capabilities.
Under UIL rules, ALL TEXAS PUBLIC HS FOOTBALL COACHES are required to complete a rugby-based tackling course to help reduce concussions. (The UIL is the state athletic association for public schools in Texas.)
Since 2010, Rugby has been one of the fastest growing team sports among youth in America.
The rate of growth in female participation is out pacing that of males nationally and world-wide.
Many universities are adding Women's Rugby as a bona fide varsity sports. Even Men's Rugby is being supported as a varsity or elevated club program.
In Texas, students are organizing school-based teams and we are here to help.
Get Oriented to Rugby
Rugby 101
Recommended Videos
These short videos will give you a good idea of rugby.
USA Men's & Women's 2020 Olympic 7s Teams, highlight video
USA Women's 7s Team playing Australia in the 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup.
World Rugby 2022 Women's XVs Dream Team of the Year
USA Men's XV v Canada in 2019
HS/u19 Boys Rugby (15s) Lake Travis HS v Allen HS (2023, spr)
HS/u19 Girls Rugby (7s) Plano v Woodlands (2023, spr)
For the Girls
Ilona Mahar - Message from the 2021 Olympics
Texas Standouts (female) - Meya Bizer, Nicole (Nick) James
Because you can - highlight of tackles, runs, trys (goals)
For the Boys
Nate Ebner, NFL Safety - 2016 Olympic Goal
Perry Baker, USMNT-7s - Step & Speed
Carlin Isles, USMNT-7s - Rugby's Fastest Player
Texas Standouts (males) - Jason Tidwell,
World Rugby - Beginner's Guide to Rugby
A good starting point if you completely new
World Rugby - Laws of the Game
Note the variation (modification) to rules for u19
TIRA Modifications - Quick Reference
To encourage the growth of Rugby in Texas schools, address the practicalities of competing in American school facilities not designed for rugby, and additional safety measures, TIRA modified certain laws (rules) beyond those already in place for the U19 (high school) and below population.
Is Rugby Safe: Injury Data & Considerations
Is Rugby Safe, Part 1 - Key Considerations (TIRA)
An overview of information with key points to consider.
Is Rugby Safe, Part 2 - Injury Data (TIRA)
This document is a work in-progress. Data in the various tables will be inputted / updated as research articles are attained and reviewed.
World Rugby, the international governing body for the sport of Rugby Union, has created this program to, "raise awareness of good practice and help stakeholders manage the inherent risks of a contact sport by putting appropriate safeguards in place".