Interested in playing rugby in the Albuquerque, NM area? The Brujos are always looking for new players to join our team. The NM Brujos accepts players of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. We are open to new members of any kind: young, seasoned or inexperienced alike. No experience is required. We will teach you. New players are welcome to join at any point in the season.
Our goal as a team is to win the Rio Grande Union Division II title and represent the RGRFU at the Westerns Rugby Championship and advance to win the US National DII title. Since establishing that team goal, the Brujos have won the the Rio Grande Union Division III in 2007 and 2008 and both years have advanced to play in the Westerns Championship in Ft. Worth, TX and in 2009 moved up to a Division II team with their sights on winning a National DII Title.
To join the Brujos, simply show up at one of our practices, and express an interest! Another way to join is to contact our recruitment director or our team coach. They can help answer any questions you might have.
If you are looking for a womens rugby club in Albuquerque, or know someone who might be intrested in playing, the Brujos sister club The Atomic Sisters RFC is likewise always looking for new players to join. For more information contact Allegra Howell or visit their website.
Practice Information
For the 2009 Fall season, team practices will take place at Loma Linda Park (map) located on Yale SE about 1/2 mile south of Central on the Eastern side of Yale. We practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 pm. On occasions we may meet at other locations due to field issues, additional practices or touch games. If there is a change in location, the information will usually be listed on the website news and via team e-mail.
Necessary equipment for practices includes shorts, t-shirt/rugby shirt, and rugby or soccer cleats (football cleats are not acceptable). During the season, weekday practices usually last until 8:00 pm. Remember, to be competitive, you will need to maintain your fitness on your own time as practice is used for skills and strategic training.
Training sessions are structured and organized with the sole purpose of developing individual skills, improving fitness, working on overall team strategy.
After practice, many of us meet up at Uptown Sports Bar or Two Fools Tavern for a pint and enjoy some team comradery.
Match Information
All of our home matches are played on Saturdays at on the northernmost field of St. Pius High School, corner of Coors and St. Josephs, 1-1/2 miles north of I-40 (map). Matches typically start at 2:00 pm and matches run 80 minutes consisting of two 40 minute halfs with a 5 minute break between halves, and in keeping with rugby tradition, after the match, the Brujos will host a social for the opposing team at Uptown Sports Bar for food, beer and the off key singing of rugby songs. Sometimes we may play on a Sunday if we are participating in a tournament.
Away matches will require travel to cities such as Santa Fe, Socorro, Farmington, Las Cruces and El Paso, TX. For away matches, players usually meet at a specific location and we'll travel as a group. Plans are finalized before matches and that info will also be posted on the website.
Practice and match times and locations may vary, so it’s always best to check the club web site, your e-mail or contact a club member in advance for details.
The Rugby Season
The Brujos play competitive rugby all year around. We play a Fall (Feb-May) season and a Spring (Aug -Dec) season made up of competitive 15's and friendly matches. The Brujos also participate in various 10s and 15s tournaments, such as the Santa Fe Fiesta 10's, The Socorro Challenge as well as social tournament such as the Wild West Rugby Fest and Flagstaff 10's in Arizona, and the Las Vegas Midnight 7s in Las Vegas Nevada.
The summer months (May - July) are typically known as 7's season and the Brujos host the Rio Grande 7's Tournament each May.
Club Expenses
Due to the nature of our amateur club status, the club expenses are supplemented through annual membership dues, sponsorship, and various charitable fund-raising activities. Funds collected through these channels are used to pay various club expenses including, but not limited to US Rugby and RGRFU membership dues, referee expenses, balls & training equipment, etc.
CIPP Registration
All rugby players must be CIPP registered by USARUGBY. This is mandatory. No exceptions. You cannot play or even step out on the pitch if you are not registered. Registration is now available online and the cost is $60 per year. Register here! If you have any questions about the CIPP process or problems registering, please contact a senior club member for assistance.
Uniforms
Team jerseys are supplied for players at each match, however, members must supply their own royal blue rugby shorts and royal blue rugby socks. In addition, each member should have a good pair of rugby/soccer cleats (aka-boots), and a mouth guard as well.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
