James River Women’s Rugby Football Club is Richmond’s only women’s rugby club. Richmonder Stephanie H. Edwards formed the club in Spring 2001 — and together with James River Men’s and United Men’s RFC — word spread about the women’s game.

After a season of testing the waters, the club elected its first president and executive board in January of 2002 at its inaugural Annual General Meeting.

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Now 20 years later, JRWRFC competes at tournaments around Virginia and North Carolina. The ladies had 4 tournaments over the summer, with a fall schedule to be announced soon .

Plus, James River Rugby hosts social events like bar and movie nights, fitness challenges + fundraisers. Last week, they got together to watch USA Rugby + cheer on Richmond native Cheta Emba in the team’s Olympic victory against Australia.

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Interested in getting out on the pitch? JRWRFC doesn’t require you to have any experience to join. Practice for the fall 15s campaign just started yesterday at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Parham Campus. Slide into their DMs, fill out this form, or just show up, introduce yourself + be ready to play.

ProTip: bring a mouthguard, cleats + plenty of water. And if you need a crash-course in rugby terminology, check out this handy guide.