However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, 14 hours agoAmong the federal workers that’ve been laid off in the first several weeks of the Trump administration are an estimated 1,000 National Park Service employees, including at the Grand Canyon National Park.
, 16 hours agoIn Tucson this week, the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is being played with national teams from Brazil, China, Colombia, Germany and more.
February 28, 2025The governor on Friday lashed out at the “rash and irrational decisions” by the Trump administration in cutting federal spending. And Gov. Katie Hobbs said the state has taken action where she believes the state has legal standing to challenge them.
, February 26, 2025A proposal backed by the Arizona Diamondbacks to fund stadium improvements using sales and income tax revenues passed out of the state House of Representatives, but it’s not clear whether the bill has the support of Gov. Katie Hobbs.
, February 26, 2025The U.S. Forest Service laid off 10% of its workforce. Experts weigh in on the impact it will have to national forests within Arizona and to outdoor enthusiasts.
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
Associated Press, February 25, 2025Diana Taurasi is retiring after 20 seasons, ending one of the greatest careers in women’s basketball history.
, February 25, 2025Over the weekend was the third-annual Alpine Race and Tetra Qualifier in northern Arizona, where athletes with disabilities compete for a spot at the finals in Utah.
, February 24, 2025While many checked out the spring training events here in Arizona, others also came for an amateur softball tournament that brings people from across the country.
, February 24, 2025Arizona Christian University and Grand Canyon University have added girls flag football. These teams started after student interest increased.
, February 19, 2025After the Footprint Center signage disappeared Tuesday morning, the Phoenix Suns released a statement regarding its partnership with Footprint
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, February 17, 2025High school seniors who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can attend a spring training game in Arizona.
, February 14, 2025Next week, Feb. 21, is the third-annual Tetra-Ski Race in northern Arizona, where athletes with disabilities compete for a spot at the international championship in Utah.
, February 14, 2025Human umpires will still be making the original call on balls and strikes. But teams will now be allowed to challenge those calls, with an automated system using multiple cameras making the final determination.
, February 11, 2025A bill aimed at keeping the Arizona Diamondbacks playing their home games at Chase Field cleared a state House committee last week. But a sports economist says it’s a bad deal for Phoenix and the region.
, February 10, 2025History will remember last night’s Eagles triumph in the Super Bowl as one of the more lopsided wins in the history of the big game. But, as usual, just as many people are talking about the commercials as the final score.
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, February 10, 2025A new Netflix documentary series dives into the underwater world of the people who work as professional mermaids. Arizona’s Michelle Mozden tells The Show more about it.
, February 10, 2025Saturday at the 2025 WM Phoenix Open brought fans from across the world to watch one of the PGA tour’s signature golf tournaments. Many of those fans got an early start and witnessed changes in how safety is now handled on and off the green.
, February 10, 2025The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety continued its efforts to prevent impaired driving as people celebrated the WM Phoenix Open and Super Bowl Sunday.
, February 9, 2025While many watched the Eagles defeat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl Sunday evening, some pet lovers also saw the annual Puppy Bowl event featuring puppies from Arizona animal shelters.- February 9, 2025Felicity is one of four dogs who will represent Arizona shelters and rescues in the Puppy Bowl. Delulu and Jake, both Shih Tzu and Maltese mixes, will represent the National Humane Society on Team Ruff. Akimel, a Chow Chow and American Pit Bull Terrier mix representing the NAGI Foundation, will be on Team Fluff alongside Felicity.
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, February 8, 2025Impaired driving enforcement will be kicked up this weekend to prevent DUI’s during Super Bowl Sunday and Waste Management.
, February 8, 2025Fees associated with visiting some of the state parks will increase.Arizona State Parks and Trails says the rise in costs stems from several factors including inflation and the addition of new amenities.
Associated Press, February 7, 2025A former personal assistant to Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has filed a lawsuit against him, saying that she was verbally abused during her tenure with the club.
, February 7, 2025The Waste Management Phoenix Open has for years been recognized as having a different atmosphere than other golf tournaments, but last year the party vibe turned into a problem.
, February 6, 2025A bill sponsored by state Republican lawmakers would allow golf courses to let patrons bring their own alcohol onto the course.
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, February 6, 2025On Wednesday, the City Council approved a one-year deal with Brooksee, a Utah-based company to produce the event.
, February 5, 2025The executive order President Donald Trump signed on Wednesday barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports mirrors efforts by Arizona Republicans to restrict transgender students.
, February 5, 2025Lucinda Yrene Hinojos goes by the name La Morena and, her story struck a chord with the country as her brightly colored, Arizona-inspired Super Bowl design was unveiled.- February 5, 2025Tournament organizers, including tournament chairman Matt Mooney, have stepped up efforts to ensure the event remains a celebration of golf and community.
, February 5, 2025A proposal backed by the Arizona Diamondbacks that would let the team use state and local taxes to pay for stadium repairs is advancing through the state legislature.
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, February 4, 2025Why sports fans — including The Show’s Mark Brodie — care so much about their teams, including when they move away.- , February 3, 2025On Wednesday, the City Council is scheduled to vote on a one-year agreement with Brooksee, which pitched the city on holding an inaugural marathon on Dec. 13.
, February 3, 2025Solestial, a solar-energy company from Tempe, is being featured in Google’s ad campaign spotlighting 50 businesses from 50 states using artificial intelligence. The ad is expected to air during the Super Bowl.
February 2, 2025Most players earn more than $100,000, giving the league the highest average salary in women’s sports from an $8 million salary pool. In addition, players receive equity in the league, and play in a February 1-on-1 tournament that will award $250,000 to the winner, plus $10,000 for each member of the winner’s Unrivaled team.
, January 31, 2025A number of top WNBA players will be in action this weekend in Miami, as part of Unrivaled, a three-on-three league started by a pair of players. Saturday is also the first day free agent contracts can be signed and trades can be finalized.
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports. Yet despite being the precursor to American football, it has struggled to find its audience in the States.
However, it’s gaining momentum as more and more girls are participating after the success of the U.S. Women’s Olympic team in Paris. And many Arizonans are hitting the pitch for its combination of fun, fitness, roughness and camaraderie.
Twice a week at Scottsdale’s El Dorado Park, both men and women toss an elongated oval-shaped ball, engage in scrums, rucks or mauls while attempting tries and kicking through an upright goal post.
It looks kind of familiar, but at the same time — very foreign.
“One of my bosses at work said, ‘Hey, do you play ball?’ You know, I played football and I ran track, like we all did in high school. And he asked me to come out and play rugby. … And man, I fell in love. And I’ve been here for 26 years. So that’s how long I’ve been playing rugby.”
Dolf Sanchez is a real estate agent by day and rugby ambassador by night.
“You can usually tell by the guy who shows up at the office with a black eye or walking a little funny down the hallway, that guy might play rugby,” Sanchez says with a chuckle.
He believes rugby does as much for his mental well-being as it does for his physical health.
“It’s silly. You know, we’re running around, getting banged up. Sometimes in the summer, it’s 115 degrees, we’re still out practicing. And I’m like, why do I do this? This is dumb.”
It’s the sport’s culture that helps his emotional well-being.
“No matter where you go in the world, knowing you find a rugby club, you’re gonna instantly have dozens of mates that you can go out and have a run with, have a beer with,” Sanchez says.
The 19th century sport, which originated in England, is finally starting to gain in popularity on this side of the pond, with help from a new crop of girls and women like high schoolers Brooke Taylor, Charlotte Brandt and Tehani Tongaviha.
Taylor likes the aggression. “It’s something that takes my mind off of things. It’s like a therapy.”
Brandt says she found her people.
“It’s a certain kind of person that has to play rugby, and I think that’s just the group that I gel with. So, I really love it. It’s gonna take me to college,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha delights in mixing it up.
“I just love the rough housing, the rough playing, I love tackling,” she says with a laugh. “I just love being rough and I think that rugby is just the perfect sport for me.”
What kind of response do they get when they tell people they play rugby?
“Is that the sport with sticks? Where they throw the ball with sticks? Yeah, that’s the reaction I get,” Taylor says with a chuckle.
“Wow, you play rugby!? Or like they’ll ask me what that is, and I don’t really like breaking it down for them, so I’d just be like ‘It’s just football with no pads,” Tongaviha explains.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I never thought that. You look a little bit small,’ but I think I’m just the right size,” laughs Brandt.
Taylor says the women’s team bronze medal in the summer games helped to skyrocket the sports popularity among girls.
“That was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. women’s rugby team. And I think that’s where it really started and people started idolizing some of those female rugby players and seeing wow, just because they play a sport that’s so ‘grrr,’ you can still be feminine,” Taylor said.
Brandt credits the team’s star and her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.
“I think it really owes a big credit to Ilona Maher and her presence, especially throughout the Olympics. She became this icon because she was really funny and then it drew attention to the game, and then they took third. It just brought attention to the sport and the hype around it,” Brandt says.
Rugby is generally viewed as a rough and tumble sport. And it’s played with no pads.
So how can you avoid getting hurt?
“Everybody’s taught the way to fall, the way to hit, the way to get back up. So, you’re very mindful of your limbs and the hard parts of your body like your shoulders, your head and all that, so you’re aware of your teammates and other people,” Brandt says.
Tongaviha doesn’t even think about it.
“Honestly, I … getting hurt isn’t really in my head. So I just play, and I just try to be safe while I play,” she says.
And Taylor believes playing hard and staying in shape is all the protection she needs.
“The way to not get hurt is you play 100%. When you start slowing down, and just start really thinking about it, that’s where you’re more likely to get hurt. So, I mean I’ve gotten injured once, but it was because I wasn’t fit enough, so yeah — just play at 100%.”
The game has become so popular that it’s even got its own American pro sports league starting soon. Women’s Elite Rugby begins play in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver this month.
, January 29, 2025House Bill 2704 proposes to reuse sales and income taxes associated with the ball park and Diamondbacks. Weninger is chairman of the House of Commerce Committee.
, January 29, 2025Brittney Griner plans to sign with the Atlanta Dream, marking the end of her 11-year career with the Phoenix Mercury. Griner announced the move in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday night.
, January 28, 2025There are less than two weeks until the first Major League Baseball players are scheduled to be in metro Phoenix for the start of spring training.- , January 27, 2025PM2.5 air particulate levels around 10 micrograms is good air quality. But, research shows that even under “acceptable” levels of pollution like that, air particulates can slow you down.
, January 26, 2025Next month, Maricopa County will break ground on a project that will allow residents to camp out at Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The West Valley park, spanning nearly 20,000 acres, became Maricopa County’s first regional park in 1954.
