Rugby clubs in London for 19-20 year old American student?

Question

I am a college student in California who will be studying abroad for the full academic year next year in London. I am a relatively new rugby player and would love to continue playing while overseas. I am looking for a rugby club to join and play for that would be competitive but not overwhelming for a greener player, and an American one at that. I will be living in the Knightsbridge area. Anyone know of any clubs? Leagues? Or any leads to finding one?

Answer 1

Your Uni should have a team, or information where you can join one.  Go hard mate

For the Irish lass, by greener, he means inexperienced.

Answer 2

When I was your age, I spent the academic year in Italy.  One of my first orders of business was to find the local rugby team and start playing.  It was a great experience, and was the best way to get some sort of foothold into the local scene (in a relatively closed society) and improve my language skills (obviously not an issue in England).  It also helped improve my game quite a lot, as I was (like you) a newish player and I found myself in a very serious rugby environment (3 practices/week).

If you are attending a local university, joining their team might be a good option.  A local club might also be good though, as it exposes you to people who aren't in your immediate age group.  

One thing, too, is that many clubs there are quite large.  Maybe you won't be good enough to play on the first XV, or maybe (as a student who wants to have a bit of fun and spend some time exploring life in England outside of rugby) it requires more time than you'd like.  There's usually a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) XV that might be a better fit.  

Check out the RFU website (http://www.rfu.com/index.htm); you may be able to find a good club that way.

Good luck.  This should be one of the great experiences of your life.  Email me if you have more questions.

Answer 3

Your college will be able to help you out. Go to their website and they'll give you a list of clubs you can play with.

P.S.What's a "greener player"?I'm Irish and I've never heard of that term...hahaha.

If you want to know anything else about the game just e-mail me:-)!!!

IRISH BY BIRTH, MUNSTER BY THE GRACE OF GOD