Yes, This is Texas. This is football country and the gridiron reigns supreme. From Pop Warner, through high school, college, and up to our two NFL teams (Luv Ya Blue forever!). The fastest growing sport in both Texas and the US today though is rugby. When it comes to rugby, it should come as no surprise that The Woodlands has been setting the gold standard for decades!
Since 1983 the sport of rugby has been cultivating a thriving community. Founded by passionate individuals like John Cherrybone, Dave Jenkins, and others—many of whom were former players from Sam Houston State University—the club has evolved into a significant pillar of health, fitness, and camaraderie in the region.
A Legacy of Champions
Rugby's journey in The Woodlands has been marked by notable achievements, including the club's crowning as the Division Two National Champions in 2001. Such accomplishments have inspired generations of players and have helped solidify rugby's presence in the area. With a focus on both competitive excellence and community involvement, WRFC has cultivated a culture that values hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Youth League: Nurturing Future Stars
One of the most remarkable aspects of rugby in The Woodlands is its commitment to youth development. The Woodlands Youth Rugby Club, a crucial component of WRFC, has seen significant growth since the establishment of its youth leagues in 2008. With over 100 new kids expected to join for the 2024-2025 season—thanks in large part to the recent successes of the Olympic Team -it's clear that rugby is becoming increasingly popular among our young athletes.
The teams have produced quite a lot of talent as well. The club has proudly seen 16 boys transition to collegiate rugby programs, highlighting its role as a stepping stone for aspiring players.
One of these players, Connor Devos, is currently a Senior playing for Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. While reminiscing about his formative years here, Devos was appreciative of the entire community. “The Woodlands Rugby Youth Club taught me to be disciplined and have a strong work ethic. This has stayed constant and helped me further my development in rugby and in life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the club, coaches, and brotherhood of teammates that drove me to become better each and every week”.
A sentiment that resonates with his favorite moment, “My most memorable experience was winning the state championship for the first time my sophomore year. The joy and happiness that I received from embracing my dad and teammates was special knowing that all of our hard work had paid off”.
In addition to those young men, the local program produced the sibling duo of Orrin and Meya Bizer. Their impressive achievements on and off the field not only highlight their individual talents but also exemplify the spirit of teamwork that rugby embodies.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Bizer siblings are not only talented athletes but also symbols of the growing rugby culture in The Woodlands. Their dedication to the sport, combined with their impressive accomplishments, are inspiring countless young players in the community. Orrin and Meya both emphasize the importance of hard work, resilience, and teamwork—values that are central to rugby and instrumental in their success.
Orrin Bizer: USA Olympic Rugby Seven's Team Athlete
Orrin Bizer has carved out an impressive path in rugby. Currently a member of the US Men’s National Team, (Orrin was originally drafted as a forward for the Houston SaberCats, our professional team in Major League Rugby). His talent was recognized early on when he was drafted as the 9th pick in the first round of the 2023 MLR Collegiate Draft, a significant achievement that speaks to his potential in the sport.
Orrin’s career highlights include winning the 2023 Prusmack Award, a prestigious honor that acknowledges his outstanding performance and contributions to the game. Rugby’s equivalent of The Heisman Trophy, as his sister proudly points out on his behalf. The younger Bizer is also a two-time USA Rugby 7’s Collegiate Champion, having secured titles in 2022 and 2023. During his high school years with The Woodlands, he showcased his prowess by winning the 2019 Texas State Championship, establishing himself as a formidable player.
His accolades don’t end there; Orrin was selected for the Mid-South All-Conference First Team and earned recognition as a 2023 D1A First Team All-American.
Orrin Bizer represented the USA Men's Rugby Seven's Team in the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. He set the stage to represent the United States on the world stage. The Woodlands is proud to highlight this wonderful accomplishment and athlete.
Meya Bizer: A Trailblazer in Women’s Rugby
Meya Bizer’s rugby journey is nothing short of remarkable. After back-to-back State Championships for The Woodlands in 2010 and 2011, Meya continued as a collegiate player for Penn State and won 7 National Championships with her teams there (4 15’s and 3 7’s titles from 2013- 2017). Meya was also named a 4x First Team All American during her tenure.
Following Penn State she was a part of the 7’s residency program for 6 years from 2015-2021 at the United States Olympic Training Center (where her brother Orrin is currently contracted).
As a standout professional player, she has represented the United States on numerous prestigious stages. Notably, she was named to the 2016 Olympic Games in rugby sevens as a travel reserve. Unfortunately due to a torn ACL only 3 days before departure she was unable to go and showcase her skills on an international platform.
Coaching also seems to be a talent for Meya. After coaching a collegiate team to a National Championship for Dartmouth she is now home giving back to the rugby community as a coach for the girls' team at The Woodlands Rugby Football Club. According to some of the other coaches, her coaching style reflects her own experiences as a player, instilling a sense of discipline, teamwork, and passion in her athletes. “Meya is not just a role model for aspiring rugby players; she is a testament to the impact of hard work and dedication”.
An Inclusive Environment
Rugby in The Woodlands is designed to be inclusive, catering to boys and girls in grades 1-12 from school districts across Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Klein, Tomball, and Spring. The club operates as a multi-school club sport, competing in both the Texas Youth Rugby Association (TYRA) and the Texas High School Rugby Conference (THSRC). This structure not only allows for diverse participation but also fosters a sense of community among players from different backgrounds.
Community Engagement and Health Benefits
The Woodlands Rugby Club actively engages with the local community, organizing events and outreach activities that promote the sport and encourage participation among residents. This commitment to community engagement not only strengthens the bonds between players and their families but also contributes to the overall health and fitness of the community.
Participating in rugby offers numerous physical benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced strength and agility. The sport demands teamwork and fosters a sense of belonging, making it an ideal activity for building both physical fitness and social connections. As players hit the pitch, they develop not only athletic skills but also important life skills, such as leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Conclusion
Rugby in The Woodlands, Texas, is more than just a sport; it’s a vibrant community that champions health, fitness, and personal development. With a legacy deeply rooted in excellence, a strong focus on youth engagement, and an inclusive environment, The Woodlands Rugby Football Club continues to inspire individuals of all ages to embrace the sport. As rugby continues to grow in popularity, it promises to remain a cornerstone of the community, nurturing future generations of players and fostering a love for the game that extends beyond the pitch.
“A rugby ball is not passed by a teammate, it is passed by a friend.”
" The only trophy we won this today was the blood and sweat we left on the pitch....and it was enough"
A Very Special Thank You
Ami Kratt and Melanie Devos for bringing my attention to all the wonderful people in The Woodlands that make this sport so wonderful. A great big shout out to thank President Phil Devos and Gerry Owen for their devotion to the sport of rugby and sharing all of their love, expertise, talent, mentoring and knowledge with the men who are playing for fun or going to the next level. A very special thank you to President Mandy Scharffenorth of The Woodlands Youth Rugby Team who coordinated this story for us. Her dedication has led her to partner with friends and Rugby elites and open D-1 Training to encourage youth sports training.
Registration is now open for 2025 Rugby Season