Denver Will Soon Get a Women’s Rugby Team: Expanding the Sports Scene

Overview

Denver is set to welcome a professional women’s rugby league team as part of the Women’s Elite Rugby league. The team is one of the first three teams confirmed, alongside other key markets.

Denver’s selection highlights its significant rugby history and community engagement.

Historic Milestones in Colorado Rugby

• Early Pioneers: The University of Colorado and Colorado State University formed the first women’s rugby team in the U.S. back in 1971. They played their inaugural match in 1972.
• College Championships: The state also hosted the first women’s college rugby championships, cementing its role in the sport’s growth.
• Rugbytown, USA: Glendale, a Denver suburb, has earned the nickname “Rugbytown, USA,” thanks to its annual Rugby 7s tournament attracting international teams since 2012.

Women’s Elite Rugby League Details

• Team Composition: Each team in the league will consist of 30 players, selected through a rigorous process set to begin in January 2025.
• Expansion Plans: The league plans to start with six to eight teams, aimed at boosting the popularity and development of women’s rugby in the U.S.
• Market Selection: The selection of markets like Denver underscores the city’s deep engagement with rugby and its potential to support a professional team.

Community and Leadership

• Denver Sports Commission: Spearheading the city’s involvement, the Denver Sports Commission, led by Matthew Payne, has shown strong support for the league.
• Cultural Impact: The addition of a women’s rugby team is expected to amplify Denver’s existing sports culture and attract even more international events, given the city’s reputation and infrastructure.

Notable Support and Events

• Annual Events: Glendale’s Rugby 7s tournament forms a key part of the local rugby calendar, bringing teams and fans together.
• Rugby World Cup: With the Rugby World Cup approaching, the creation of the Women’s Elite Rugby league and its Denver team reflects a strategic expansion plan to promote the sport further.

Future Prospects

• Youth and Inclusion: Emphasizing the growth pipeline, the new team aims to inspire younger players. They also want to showcase inclusivity and athletic excellence.
• Professional Development: Backed by private investors and venture capital, the league seeks to build a robust professional structure for female athletes in rugby.

Denver’s upcoming professional women’s rugby team promises to deepen the city’s rugby roots and foster a thriving sports culture.

The local community eagerly anticipates the inaugural season kickoff, set for spring 2025.