SSRC STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 U13 15s State Champions

​2022 U13 15s State Champions​

2019 HS Boys Varsity 7s State Champions
          HS Boys Varsity 15s D2 2nd Place
          HS Boys Varsity 15s D3 2nd Place
          U12 15s 2nd Place
2018 HS Boys Varsity 7s 3rd Place
          HS Boys Varsity 15s D1 4th Place
          U12 15s 2nd Place
2017 HS Boys Varsity 15s D2 2nd Place
          U14 15s 4th Place
          U12 15s 4th Place
2016 U12 15s 2nd Place
2015 U14 15s 2nd Place

Contact us at ​sscobrarugby@gmail.com


South Suburban Rugby Club

About South Suburban Rugby Club

Established in 2014, South Suburban Rugby Club is a nonprofit organization run by volunteer coaches and parents.  We are part of Rugby Illinois and USA Rugby.  All coaches are certified by USA Rugby and have many years' experience playing and coaching rugby in the USA and around the world.  We have quickly established a culture of success based on teamwork, hard work, and having fun.  


Community Involvement and Charitable Activities

Our club continues to work with the New Lenox Community Park District to deliver fun & educational rugby programs to teach the fundamentals of rugby to 1st-8th graders. Our coaches have worked with local PE teachers to bring rugby to their classes. As a club, we understand the importance of giving back to the community and to charitable causes - each year we are involved in community service and raise money for charity.  We've hosted St. Baldrick's events and donated to the New Lenox Township Food Pantry.  Each year we march in the Manhattan or Tinley Park Irish Fest parade and are proud hosts of a Rugby Illinois Middle School Festival and Sevens Tournament.


SSRC Teams playing in Spring 2024 season

High School Boys
High School Girls
U15 (grades 7-8, co-ed)
U13 (grades 4-6, co-ed)

Rookie Rugby (grades K-3, co-ed, non-contact flag rugby)​

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – ALL PLAYERS ARE WELCOME

Most of our players are new to the sport of rugby so we are always teaching and practicing the fundamentals of the game.  We work a lot on tackling form and technique, rucking and mauling, scrums and lineouts, and the principles of attack and defense.  Playing the game safely and competitively is our focus.

Most of our players live in the south suburbs of Chicago (including New Lenox, Tinley Park, Manhattan, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Mokena, Orland Park, and Frankfort).


SSRC Mission

  • coach our players to play rugby safely and competitively
  • build a team, a tradition, and life-long friendships
  • teach our players about  goal-setting and hard work, sportsmanship and teamwork, resilience and respect


About Rugby

Rugby is the fastest growing youth sport in the USA.  The game is fast-paced and everyone gets involved in the action.  Play is continuous and relies on decision-making and teamwork.  Rugby players come in all shapes and sizes, and all players have the opportunity to contribute on attack and defense.  Click on the following links to learn more about the great game of rugby...

Introduction to the game

BBC Sport - Rugby Union Laws & Equipment (rugby basics, positions, & penalties)

USA Rugby Spectator’s Guide to Rugby (essential reading for all)

Rugby tackling taught in the NFL

Is Rugby the Best Sport for Building a Kid's Character?

Playing Multiple Sports Builds Better Athletes

Nate Ebner USA Eagle Olympian and New England Patriots Player

MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY - INTRODUCTION TO THE GAME - RUGBY 101

Major League Rugby - Professional League in the USA & Canada


Rugby is a great sport for Wrestlers and Football Players
Rugby requires many of the same skills and techniques used in wrestling and football.  The ‘rugby tackle’ is very similar to a double-leg takedown in wrestling and is also being used in football as a way to take the head out of the tackle.  Rugby tackling is even being used as the model for some NFL teams.  Rugby players work to develop their footwork, agility, fitness, strength, and use of body positioning, leverage, and angles in play.  Rugby is an excellent spring sport for football players and wrestlers.  


RUGBY IS FOR GIRLS!!!
We are proud that our club is actively growing the girls game of rugby.  We have more and more girls participating each year.  We know that the game of rugby is inclusive, empowering, and you have a lot of fun being active and making rugby friendships that last a lifetime.  This is even more applicable for our girls players – Rugby is a way to boost self-esteem and confidence, while teaching resilience, discipline, and hard work.