Spectators who happen across a Saturday match of the Austin Valkyries are often surprised to learn that rugby – women’s rugby, to be exact – exists in the Texas capital city.
In truth, women’s rugby in Austin is nothing new. Founded in 1991, the Austin Valkyries is one of the longest-standing women’s rugby clubs in Texas.
“We usually get a mix of excitement, surprise and curiosity when people find out Austin has a women’s rugby club,” said Caitlin Curley, president of the Austin Valkyries. “Some people say, ‘I had no idea women’s rugby was a thing!’ while others are pumped to learn that a competitive, inclusive team like ours exists.”
Curley said the Valkyries, currently competing in USA Rugby’s Division 1, strive for high-level performance on the pitch. They compete in regional and national tournaments while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The club has developed a strong reputation for nurturing talent, with many players going on to represent regional and national teams. Recent accomplishments include earning a D1 Nationals silver medal, making it to the Final 4 and Elite 8 in postseason play seven times and winning back-to-back-to-back D1 and D2 Conference Championships.
The traditional rugby season runs from September to April, with two weekly practices, matches and tournaments on Saturdays. From May to July, the team switches to rugby sevens, a faster, shorter version of the game played with seven players on the same pitch and seven-minute halves, Curley said.
The club is open to anyone over 18; for those under 18, the Huns Youth Rugby Club offers teams for both girls and boys, ages 4 through high school.
“Over the years, our alumni have been instrumental in growing rugby by starting clubs, coaching youth teams, launching youth programs, refereeing and generously contributing their time and resources,” Curley said. “Their contributions, along with the unwavering support from the Austin Huns Men’s Rugby Club, have been crucial to our success,”
As a club, the Valkyries have players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced athletes, and welcome players of all gender identities who want to compete in a supportive environment.
“We play hard, support each other and welcome everyone. Competing at a high level, we push ourselves to be the best while keeping the game fun and inclusive,” Curley said. “What makes us special? Our strong community, our commitment to growing the sport, and our love for the Austin rugby scene. We’re here to lift each other up on and off the pitch because rugby is for everyone, and so is this team.”
In the future, the club would like to expand further, potentially bringing in women’s collegiate teams and even youth girls' teams to take its Bat City 15s Rugby Tournament to the next level.
“For us, it’s about more than just the game. We’re committed to growing rugby in Austin, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, and living by our core values: inclusivity, accountability, commitment, and empowerment,” Curley said. “Rugby challenges us, teaches us, and brings us together. We learn from each other, from our losses and those hard-earned victories, on and off the pitch.”
To learn more, visit www.austinvalkyries.com.
We play hard, support each other and welcome everyone. Competing at a high level, we push ourselves to be the best while keeping the game fun and inclusive.