About Us
Crusaders Youth Rugby Club is the only club in the local area that is solely focused on the development, support and promotion of youth rugby for co-ed children in Grades 5th to 8th.
We serve Naperville and the surrounding area, providing a close link for our children to progress to high school rugby with the Naperville Warriors, Neuqua Wildcats and Plainfield Rugby Club teams.
In 2024, we will be celebrating our 15th Year Anniversary, and the Crusaders will be bigger than ever. Our strong program allows us to maintain close links with other sports, providing a route to enhance, development and grow a wide range of skills that are transferrable to other sports.
Spring 2024 Program
We are excited for our spring program that brings together boys and girls in grades 3rd to 8th.
We welcome all children, regardless of their experience. Training sessions will be conducted in a minimal contact basis, with competitive games played most Sundays (see schedule) from April
- Where: Commissioners Park, Naperville
- When: Each Monday & Wednesday; 6pm to 7.30pm
- From April 3 to June 2
- Equipment: Cleats and Mouthguard
- Registration will open from March 4 via Naperville Park District website: https://napervilleparks.org/
Our Approach
Our philosophy is very much centered on youth development through teaching rugby in a positive and encouraging environment. With fully certified coaches, we introduce rugby with safety fully in mind, allowing each child to gain confidence in the sport in their own time.
Player, parent expectations: Our goal is to introduce rugby to as many kids as we can and as such are happy to be flexible in accommodating your schedules. If you have limited availability, that’s okay, we’ll figure something out. Participation in our programs are not an all-or-nothing exercise! Ask about a free trial session too.
For both winter & spring programs welcome players of any ability level and almost all participants come into the program with zero rugby experience. Rugby is a game made up of a wide range of players, meaning that there is a place for everyone.
Successes
On the field, the Crusaders have enjoyed tremendous success over the years, with three State Championships and numerous players earning All-State honors!
Most recently, in 2023, we also had three U15 players selected for Illinois Tornadoes and Midwest Thunderbirds representation.
What our parents have to say…
We’d love to have you play for us! Please get in touch with questions.
“…we’ve tried everything – soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, fencing – and he hasn’t really loved any of them. A few of them he actually hated. But for some reason, he really likes rugby. He likes you guys, he likes his team mates, and he likes the sport. He has never complained about going to practice, and actually asked us when the next season of rugby starts.”
“…we’re so happy to have found the Crusaders program! My son tried “all the sports” and didn’t really connect with most of them. We were looking for something different that would really build on my son’s skills and mindset. Coach Nick is a super engaged, creative and thoughtful coach, and our son really thrived under his encouragement. We’ve found the rugby community to be very warm and welcoming, and the vibe is really fun! We’re looking forward to our son being a part of the Crusaders team again this year – we only wish it was available more seasons! ”
“…Crusaders Rugby has been a wonderful experience and continues developing skill sets that help our son grow as an athlete and leader. Many of the principals of rugby apply directly to tackle football, but also provides a unique experience to learn a new, fast-growing sport. In addition, the coaching provided by Nick Evans has been beyond impressive. He teaches fundamentals, supports new players’ development, and builds team chemistry. We are a Saints Family and Crusaders family, and encourage participation in this rewarding experience”
“Our son participated in the Naperville Saints program for 3 years and has always enjoyed the development that football provides. During the off-season, he was looking for additional opportunities, and was introduced to the Crusaders Rugby program by Coach Nick. It has been such a great experience, to participate under Nick’s leadership and watch our son develop skills that translate to so many activities. Nick has created an environment of confidence, great teamwork, and consistent development all while teaching a largely unknown sport. Both football and rugby help support our family’s love of sports; we are proud to be part of both programs and look forward to participating for years to come. We would gladly recommend, and encourage, the Crusader’s Rugby program to any current Saints players”
Crusaders Youth Rugby Club 
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