Naperville Crusaders

Developing Illinois Youth Rugby

Naperville Crusaders Rugby was founded in 2009 in order to promote rugby at the Junior High School level and has grown to include co-ed programs available each winter, spring, and summer for 1st through 8th graders.

U14 Crusaders State Champions 2017
U14 Crusaders – State Champions 2017 (click to enlarge)

Winter 2020 Updates

Crusaders Coed Winter Session

  • What: Coed winter indoor program for U13s and U15s (ages 9 – 14)
  • Where: Riverwoods Elementary School, Naperville, IL
  • When: Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:00pm from January 15th through March 4th
  • Equipment: Athletic shoes; athletic shorts and t-shirt.
  • Registration is now open, through the Naperville Park District website: https://napervilleparks.org/
  • Parent/Guardian: Must be present to sign a waiver at player’s first session
  • Please spread the word for this winter session, the more ruggers the better! Kids new to rugby and veteran rookies, boys and girls, are welcome to participate!

Our philosophy is very much centered on youth development through sport and teaching rugby in a positive and encouraging environment. We welcome players of any ability level and virtually all participants come into the program with zero rugby experience.

On the field, the Crusaders have enjoyed tremendous success with three State Championships and numerous players earning All-State honors!

U12 Crusaders - State Runners-up 2017
U12 Crusaders – State Runners-up 2017 (click to enlarge)

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.

Playing rugby
Playing rugby

“…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 are very flexible to work with you around other commitments in order to introduce rugby to as many new players as possible.

We’d love to have you play for us! Please get in touch with questions.

U14 vs Cobras
U14 vs Cobras