Chattanooga Youth Rugby (CYR), the Chattanooga-based U19 boy and girls rugby club, kicks off its inaugural 2024-2025 season flanked by powerhouse men’s and women’s clubs, Nooga and Nooga Queens Rugby.
Founding coaches Derek Hilley and Kyle Hudson bring a wealth of experience in both playing and coaching rugby as well as coaching at the high school level, officials said.
"We are proud to expand Nooga Rugby’s mission by providing a social yet competitive environment for high schoolers,” said Hilley, founding coach of CYR.
“The sport of rugby has given so many Chattanoogans a special community. Founding CYR is a way to give back and share this inclusive sport with youth.”
He said, "Why play rugby? Rugby combines physicality, sportsmanship and camaraderie while building upon sports like soccer, wrestling, and flag and tackle football. Another unique aspect of the sport is position diversity. Players of different body types and skill sets find a role on the team. Although rugby is a tackle, full contact sport, certified coaches Hilley and Hudson focus on conditioning and perfecting basic techniques and skills to prevent injury and of course win.
"All area high schoolers, boys and girls, of all skill levels are encouraged to give rugby a try and join CYR. Current players' experience levels range from international and academy to first time. CYR unites several area high schools including Berean Academy, Chattanooga Christian, McCallie, Ooltewah High and more… to compete with established Tennessee, North Georgia and Carolina youth rugby clubs."
“Rugby has given me my life’s best friends both on and off the pitch and I want the kids to experience that too. Let’s grow this sport.” said Hudson, coach and co-founder, CYR.
Practices, starting Jan. 7, will be held every Tuesday and Thursday 4-6 p.m. on the playing field located at 104 North Tuxedo Ave., behind the Midtown Community Center. Spring match schedules will be announced early January 2025.
For additional information on Chattanooga Youth Rugby, visit noogarugby.com/youthrugby and our Instagram and Facebook pages @chattanoogayouthrugby or contact coach Hilley, scarugby423@gmail.com, coach Hudson, 423-771-2950 or Marketing Manager, ashley.pincott@thebantercompany.com
Founded in 1978, Nooga Rugby is a Men's Division II and Division III rugby program located in Chattanooga. Nooga Rugby is in the True South rugby conference, where they are seven-time conference champions and current title holders, with a top-10 national finish in 2021.
Nooga Rugby is backed by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Chattanooga Rugby Club.
Officials said, "We welcome ALL players, regardless of experience."