South Buffalo Rugby competing for national title

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A New York state rugby team is headed to Texas for the national championship.

For members of South Buffalo Rugby, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We were picked to finish 10th in our league at the start of the season and here we are in the bottom four in the country,” said South Buffalo Rugby head coach Glenn Nenoff.

“Rugby is – honestly, I describe it as all sports together,” added South Buffalo Rugby forward captain Jordyn Wilde. “It’s physical. It’s fast. It’s funny. But even though it seems a little intimidating, anyone can play it.

The team is made up of women aged 19 to 44, from the United States, Canada and even Australia.

“It’s a very high energy, high aerobic output sport,” Nenoff explained. “It lasts 80 minutes. There are no substitutions. There is no down time. But we always took everyone. It’s a bit our thing, our niche.

Getting to the 2024 D2 Nationals in Texas took commitment on and off the field.

“You basically pay to play,” said South Buffalo Rugby co-captain Kelly DeGrood. “Everyone’s working. Everyone’s got stuff out there. So we’re trying to do things… off the field, because chemistry off the field means a lot on the field.

Now the title is in sight, and they are focused on giving it everything they have.

“We try to make their opponent run, to tire them out. It’s our game,” Nenoff said. “And if we play our game, we’ll be good.”

This means making unique preparations.

“Doing things that make you uncomfortable,” DeGrood explained. “It’s a lot of extra cardio, a lot of off-the-field workouts and (going) to the sauna a little bit, which is not normal, but when you go to Texas and you’re from Buffalo, it’s is definitely an adjustment.

They are not alone on this journey.

“It’s kind of like the Buffalo Bills, like our fans are traveling with us,” Wilde said. “I think it makes everyone excited.”

This support even comes from unexpected places.

“Every other team in the area had watch parties,” Nenoff said. “One of our main rivals in Rochester, they gave money, they send money, so we can afford to receive all of our – as you I can imagine, sending 30 girls to Texas for four days requires a financial commitment.

Hailing from Buffalo, which reportedly has the highest number of rugby players per capita in the country, they are ready to represent the region.

“Definitely the nerves. Definitely adrenaline,” Wilde said. “But it will be worth it.”

This is the furthest any team from the region has gone. A victory would only reinforce that.

“We could do this for years and years to get back (to nationals),” DeGrood said. “But we have some players that this is probably the last time they play for their career.”

So winning or losing is a question for the history books, and certainly something that won’t soon be forgotten.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more,” DeGrood added. “Even making it to the final four out of 98 teams across the country is like… absolutely leaves me speechless.”

Their first game is Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern.

You can watch online for free on The Rugby Network.

If they win, they will play for first place on Sunday.

The team is non-profit. If you would like to help them financially you can Venmo @SouthBuffaloRugby.