Raleigh Rugby Club

Home
United States
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh Rugby Club

501(c)3 Non-Profit dedicated to growing the game of rugby & winning | Vipers (Men's DII & DIII) Veno for tournaments and championship games.

As one of the premier clubs in the Southeast, Raleigh Rugby consists of men’s and women’s competitive rugby teams, as well as youth touch and tackle programs, the Raleigh Rattlesnakes and Cobras (Age 4-High School). The Raleigh Vipers were established in 1981 and are Division II Men’s Rugby Union Football Club that compete within the Carolinas Rugby Union. The Raleigh Venom, established in 2002, are a Women’s Division I Rugby Union Football Club that compete within the Mid-Atlantic union and finished #3 nationally in 2016. The Raleigh Rattlesnakes, launched their first season in 2007 with a U-19 league, in hopes of promoting interest and knowledge of the sport within our local youth. The competitive unions consist of teams from the Mid-Atlantic United States for the adults, but the Vipers and Venom also compete throughout the U.S.

10/20/2026

🐍🏉 OUR COBRAS ARE DOING BIG THINGS… AND PEOPLE ARE TAKING NOTICE! ❤️🖤💛

Our Raleigh Rugby Cobras are making headlines! 🔥 Goff Rugby Report just featured our U16 and U19 girls in an article highlighting their incredible Fall 7s season!

And the numbers speak for themselves…

🏆 U16 Cobras: 5-0
🏆 U19 Cobras: 6-0
🔥 COMBINED RECORD: 11-0!

That's right… ELEVEN WINS. ZERO LOSSES. And both teams are heading into the final weekend sitting at the top of their brackets!

But this article highlights something even bigger than their undefeated records.

It's about the hard work, the conditioning, the commitment, and the willingness to push beyond what's comfortable. It's about younger players stepping up, teammates supporting each other, and athletes discovering just how much they're capable of accomplishing.

Coach Mary Lastowski summed it up perfectly:

“We do the hard things.” 💪

And it's showing!

The article also recognizes several of our talented Cobras, including Lillian DeSoto, Reva Jain, Adria Doyle, Emma Baildon, Gwynn Lastowski, and Anastasia Englebrecht.

While these athletes received individual recognition, this success belongs to EVERY Cobra who shows up, puts in the work, and gives everything she's got for her teammates.

A HUGE shoutout to Coaches Mike and Mary for challenging these girls, believing in them, and helping them grow both on and off the pitch!

We're incredibly proud of this entire program, and we can't wait to see what these girls accomplish next!

📰 READ THE FULL ARTICLE:
https://goffrugbyreport.com/news/cobras-strike-nc-girls-7s

Thank you to Alex Goff and Goff Rugby Report for recognizing our athletes and helping shine a spotlight on girls' rugby in North Carolina!

🐍 ONE CLUB. ONE CULTURE. ❤️🖤💛

07/15/2026

⭐ Player Spotlight: Adria Doyle ⭐

In just two seasons of rugby, Adria Doyle has already shown what's possible when talent meets hard work, coachability, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

This past weekend, Raleigh Rugby Cobra Adria Doyle represented our club at the 2026 USA Rugby U18 East Pathway Camp at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland after receiving an invitation to attend.

Playing both Fullback (15) and Wing (14), Adria embraced every challenge the camp had to offer.

When asked what skill improved the most, her answer was:

🏉 Field vision.

One of the biggest lessons she took away wasn't physical. It was mental.

"I need to be more confident in my own abilities."

One piece of feedback from the coaching staff that will stick with her?

"Control the controllable."

The coaches pushed every athlete mentally and physically, encouraging players to try new positions, sharpen their footwork, improve their decision-making, and expand their understanding of the game.

One of Adria's biggest breakthroughs came during the final scrimmage.

"I was able to read the defense and use my footwork to create more attacking opportunities."

She described the culture at camp as:

❤️ "Very strong and competitive, but also very positive and uplifting."

Along with developing as a player, she left Maryland with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and even bigger goals.

"This experience has made me want to push myself to become the best rugby player I possibly can."

Her advice to anyone hoping to attend a USA Rugby camp one day?

⭐ "Trust your skills. Take risks. You were selected for a reason."

Congratulations, Adria, on an incredible accomplishment! Your hard work, willingness to learn, and commitment to improving continue to open new doors. We are proud to have you representing Raleigh Rugby and can't wait to watch your journey continue in a Cobra jersey.

The future is bright, and we're excited to see what your next season brings!

📸 Luke Panzer

05/09/2026

🏆🏉 STATE FINALS DAY 🏉🏆

What an exciting season it has been for our high school programs! Today BOTH our U19 Cobras 🐍 and U19 Rattlesnakes 🐍 are competing for a State Championship title 💪🔥

📍 Northeast Park, Gibsonville, NC

🐍 HS U19 Cobras State Finals
🏉 12:00 PM

🐍 HS U19 Rattlesnakes Tier 1 State Finals
🏉 12:30 PM

To our players, coaches, and families—what a journey this season has been. The hard work, growth, commitment, and heart shown by these teams has been incredible to watch.
We are so proud of you all and can’t wait to cheer you on today! 💛🏉

Good luck Cobras and Rattlesnakes—go leave it all on the pitch! 🔥

🏉🏆

04/17/2026

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Alaina Sandberg 🔥

Alaina Sandberg has spent the last 7 years building her presence on the field—playing lock, flanker, and 8 man with strength, grit, and confidence. What started with her brother picking up the game quickly turned into something that would shape who she is today.

One of her favorite memories? Playing in Ireland. Competing against different teams, learning new styles of play, and experiencing the game on a whole new level. It’s moments like that that show just how far rugby can take you.

For Alaina, rugby has been a confidence builder in every sense. It’s pushed her beyond what she thought she was capable of physically and mentally. Over the years, she’s discovered a strength within herself that she didn’t know existed, proving that she’s capable of so much more than she ever imagined.
The biggest lesson she’s taking with her? Your body and your mind are stronger than you think. You just have to trust it and keep showing up.

After graduation, Alaina is heading to UNC Wilmington, where she plans to continue playing club rugby. She’s excited for what’s ahead meeting her people, figuring out her next chapter, and continuing to explore the world.

She gives a heartfelt thank you to her mom for always showing up and helping build the confidence she carries today, along with every coach who helped her grow in the game. And a special shoutout to Nakato, her teammate since day one, for always being there through it all.

Fun fact: before rugby, Alaina spent 10 years as a dancer 💃

If she could give advice to younger players? Keep working, keep learning, and never doubt yourself. You’re more capable than you think.

💬 “You’re stronger than you think.”

❤️ Senior Spotlight 2026: Alaina Sandberg (From Kelly) ❤️

One of the most rewarding parts of watching Alaina’s rugby journey has been seeing her confidence grow both on and off the pitch. Rugby has helped shape her into someone who is determined, tough, and team-oriented, and watching that transformation has been incredible.

She took on a sport that was completely new and challenging. From the physicality to the strategy to stepping into leadership roles and never backed down. Through hard work and commitment, she exceeded every expectation and proved just how far she could go.

Some of my favorite memories go all the way back to her first season. I remember her going up in a lineout against a big, physical team, getting knocked down hard… and then popping right back up like it was nothing and chasing the ball. In that moment, I knew this sport was meant for her. And over the years, watching that “switch” flip. Seeing her find her aggressiveness and play with grit and confidence has been so special.

What makes me most proud is the way she leads. Alaina brings energy, positivity, and encouragement every time she steps on the field. She plays the game the right way unselfish, focused, and always putting her team first.

As she moves forward, I hope she carries that confidence into every part of her life. Whether it’s school, work, or wherever her path takes her. I hope she finds her people, explores the world, and continues to do what she loves.

Alaina, keep going and never stop. Come home and see me! And always remember keep living your dash.

Hold onto the memories: the late nights, road trips, hotel stays, the highs and lows. It all shaped you into who you are today. And I couldn’t be more proud. ❤️

💬 “Keep living your dash.”

04/16/2026

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Nakato Myers 🔥
Nakato Myers has been part of rugby for as long as she can remember. 10+ years in the game and still going strong. With both of her parents having played for Raleigh Rugby and been involved in growing the youth program, the sport has always been part of her story. Now playing outside center, Nakato continues to carry that legacy forward.

For Nakato, rugby has been about so much more than just the game. It’s taught her how to work with others, adapt to challenges, and handle adversity with strength and composure. Being part of a team has shaped who she is. Through the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. And along the way, she’s built friendships that she knows will last a lifetime.

If there’s one thing rugby has taught her, it’s grit. Showing up, even on the days you don’t feel like it, and giving everything you have. That’s where real growth happens.

Next up, Nakato is heading to Dartmouth College, where she’ll continue her rugby career at the next level. She’s excited to keep pushing herself, competing, and seeing just how far the game can take her.

She gives a huge thank you to her parents for their constant support and for always pushing her to be her best, along with all the coaches, teammates, friends, and mentors who have believed in her along the way.

Fun fact: off the field, Nakato plays the violin and loves family jam sessions 🎻

If she could give advice to younger players? Play with passion, give it everything you’ve got, and most importantly enjoy it. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.

💬 “Show up, stay tough, and give it your all.”

❤️ Senior Spotlight 2026: Nakato Myers (From Isaac & Sunny) ❤️
Watching Nakato grow through rugby has been one of the greatest rewards of our lives. The game has given her space to truly become herself on and off the pitch. We’ve seen her build confidence, find her voice, and step into who she is with strength and purpose.

Nakato is the kind of teammate everyone wants. She leads without needing the spotlight. Through her consistency, her presence, and the way she shows up for others. She stays focused, avoids the noise, and quietly puts in the work to chase her goals. Her commitment to this club over the years speaks volumes about who she is.

Her journey hasn’t been easy. Coming to the U.S. at four years old, facing early challenges, and learning a new language; yet still growing into a top student and strong, compassionate leader says everything about her resilience. She has always leaned into challenges, playing up, competing at higher levels, and never backing down.

Some of our favorite memories include watching her step onto the national stage at USA Rugby camps, and that unforgettable U12 State Championship run an underdog team that came together and proved everyone wrong. Moments like those are what this journey is all about.

What makes us most proud is who Nakato is at her core. She is disciplined, self-aware, kind, and grounded. She leads with integrity, lifts those around her, and carries herself with quiet strength. She embodies what it means to be a true teammate and a “High Woman”—doing the work, staying accountable, and leading with heart.

Nakato, as you step into this next chapter at Dartmouth, never forget who you are. Trust yourself, take up space, and keep chasing your dreams. We’ll always be right here, cheering you on.
We are so proud of you. We love you. And don’t forget…text us back. ❤️

💬 “Some women fear the fire, some women simply become it.”

04/15/2026

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Louisa Hinds 🔥

Louisa Hinds has spent the last four years making her mark all over the field—playing 7, 8, 12, 13, and 14. What started as a simple invite from a friend at youth group quickly turned into something she loved from day one.

One of her favorite memories? Winning the state championship last year—alongside some of her best friends. The kind of moment that makes all the hard work worth it.

For Louisa, rugby has been more than just a sport. It’s been a space to reset, have fun, work hard, and build friendships that mean everything. It gave her a place outside of school where she could truly be herself—and that’s what made it so special.
If there’s one lesson she’s taking with her, it’s that teamwork is everything. You can’t do it alone, and when everyone works together, the game and the experience is so much better.

After graduation, Louisa is heading to the University of Kentucky to study psychology. While she won’t be continuing rugby, the impact it’s had on her will stay with her moving forward. She’s excited for what’s next meeting new people, trying new things, and stepping into a whole new chapter.

A big thank you to Mary and Mike for creating such a positive and fun environment, and for helping her grow in both confidence and love for the game. And a special shoutout to Lilly and Alaina for always being there—on and off the field.

Fun fact: rugby is just one way Louisa expresses herself. She also creates pottery and ceramics 🎨

If she could give advice to younger players? Have fun with it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. The more fun you have, the better you’ll play.

❤️ Senior Spotlight 2026: Louisa Hinds (From Mary Catherine & John) ❤️

One of the most rewarding parts of watching Louisa’s rugby journey has been seeing her step into something new and truly thrive in it. From the very beginning, it was clear she found something she loved, and watching her grow and get really good at it has been such a joy.

Along the way, Louisa has faced challenges that go far beyond the field. She’s learned how to navigate difficult situations and relationships, and through it all, she’s grown into a confident, self-assured young woman.

Some of our favorite memories come from watching her in the moments that mattered most. When the team needed a lift, when things got tough, Louisa was always there. Covering, supporting, stepping up. Doing whatever needed to be done. That presence, that reliability, is something we’ll always remember.

What makes us most proud are the qualities she’s built along the way. Her resilience, her work ethic, her intuition, and her compassion for others. Those are the things that will carry her far in life.

If we could go back to her very first day, we’d tell her something simple: don’t worry you’re going to be great at this.

As she moves forward, we hope she takes with her the understanding that hard work and determination truly pay off and can take you further than you ever imagined.

Louisa, we are so proud of the woman you’ve become. We love you so much and can’t wait to see you embrace all the new opportunities ahead.

And always remember you tried new things, you took chances, and you succeeded. Keep that spirit with you, and there’s no limit to what you can do. ❤️

💬 “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou

04/14/2026

Announcing the return of Raleigh Rugby Club's annual Golf Tournament!

Secure your spot today and if interested in sponsoring a hole please reach out!

03/31/2026

🏉✨ Special Shoutout ✨🏉

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible supporters:

WakeMed | Wake Orthopedics
Leigh Brantley Realtor
CNC Carolina
Neomonde Mediterranean

Because of your generosity, we were able to purchase 4 brand new pop-up tents for our youth programs! 🙌

These tents will be put to great use at games and events—rain or shine—helping support our players, families, and community all season long.

We truly appreciate your continued support of Raleigh Rugby Youth and everything you do to help our athletes thrive. 💛🏉

03/28/2026

🎉 HUGE Shoutout to Coach Kiwi! 🎉

Celebrating his birthday the best way he knows how… out on the pitch reffing our HS Cobras game today! 🏉

Coach Kiwi, you are truly the BEST. From reffing, to coaching, to supporting NCYRU—and everything in between—you give so much to this game and our community.

We are so grateful for your time, energy, and passion for growing rugby and supporting our players every step of the way.

Happy Birthday, Coach Kiwi! 🥳🧁
We appreciate you more than you know! ❤️🖤

03/28/2026

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Sam Wiggins 🔥

Sam Wiggins has been a dedicated rugby player for years, developing his game through the Southern Pines Youth Rugby Program and continuing all the way through high school. This season, he joined Raleigh Rugby when Southern Pines wasn’t able to field a team—and he made an immediate impact.

Stepping into a new environment isn’t always easy, but Sam showed up ready to work. He’s been a consistent starter and a key contributor, bringing effort, toughness, and a team-first mindset every time he takes the field. He also helped strengthen the squad by bringing along a Southern Pines teammate who has contributed in a big way as well.

Sam represents what rugby is all about—commitment, adaptability, and showing up for your team no matter the circumstances.

Looking ahead, Sam plans to attend college this fall and is focused on finding the right fit both academically and on the rugby pitch. Wherever he lands, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to grow and make an impact.

Address

7417 Poole Road
Raleigh, NC
27610

Website

http://www.RaleighRugby.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Raleigh Rugby Club posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.