THE OFFICIAL HOME OF WAKE FOREST MEN'S RUGBY
The Experience
THIS ISN'T JUST A CLUB.
IT'S YOUR BEST FOUR YEARS.
Wake Forest Rugby is where former high school athletes become rugby players, where walk-ons become All-Stars, and where teammates become family. Whether you played varsity football, lacrosse, soccer, track — or you've never touched a rugby ball — there's a place for you here.
We compete in the Southern Rugby Conference against ACC rivals and top programs across the Southeast. We host our own tournament — the Deacons Duel 7s — one of the fastest-growing collegiate sevens events on the East Coast. And we're just getting started.
Competitive Rugby
Fall 15s conference play against ACC rivals. Spring 7s circuit tournaments. Matches against Clemson, UNC, NC State, Maryland, App State, and more. This is real, competitive college athletics.
Brotherhood for Life
The bonds you build on the pitch don't end at graduation. Our alumni network spans five decades — Navy commanders, entrepreneurs, doctors, and leaders who all started right where you're about to.
​Real Player Development
Our coaching staff develops players from the ground up. Four Wake Forest athletes were selected for the 2025 South Rising Stars All-Star weekend. No matter your level, we will coach you up.
Travel & Compete
Road trips to Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville, and beyond. Weekend tournaments across the Southeast. Some of your best college memories will happen on the road with this team.
Academics First
A WORLD-CLASS
EDUCATION
Wake Forest is one of the most prestigious universities in the country — ranked in the top 30 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, you're not a number here. You're known by name.
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Our players major in everything from finance and computer science to biology and political science. They go on to med school, law school, Wall Street, the military, and startups. Rugby doesn't just sit alongside your education — it enhances it. Time management, discipline, leadership under pressure — these are the skills that set Wake rugby alumni apart.
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And Wake Forest meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Money will not be the reason a qualified student doesn't attend.
NEVER PLAYED RUGBY? PERFECT
Some of our best players walked onto Poteat Field without ever having touched a rugby ball. If you've got the athleticism and the drive, our coaches will handle the rest. Football players. Lacrosse players. Soccer players. Wrestlers. Track athletes. You already have what it takes — we'll show you how to use it.
Your New Home
WINSTON-SALEM, NC
Forget what you think you know. Winston-Salem is a thriving mid-size city with world-class food, a booming arts scene, and Southern hospitality that makes it feel like home from day one. And the weather? You'll be training outside year-round while programs up north are stuck in the snow.
Year-Round Training Weather
Mild winters and warm falls mean more time on the pitch. A real advantage over northern programs.
Food & Culture Scene
Craft breweries, James Beard-nominated restaurants, and a growing Innovation Quarter hub for food, art, and startups
Mountains to Coastle
Blue Ridge Mountains 90 minutes west. Carolina beaches a few hours east. Weekend adventures always within reach.
Easy Access
Piedmont Triad Airport is 20 minutes away. Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham under 90 minutes. Family visits are simple.
City of Arts & Innovation
Home to the nation's oldest arts council, a thriving gallery district, and a growing biotech corridor.
Real College Town Feel
Big enough to have everything, small enough to feel like home. A stunning 340-acre campus of Georgian architecture and old-growth trees.
Nathaniel Walker - 22'
“Playing rugby at Wake was one of the defining aspects of my time at college. I look back with fondness at all the away day trips, the hard fought wins, and the great memories I made with my teammates over those four years.”
Richie Horton - 21'
“Wake Rugby was one of the best parts of my college experience. Our team had a strong, fun-loving culture, and while we definitely enjoyed the social side of the sport, Coach always knew how to get us focused when it mattered. Being part of a team has always been a source of joy and lasting friendships for me, and Wake Rugby was no exception. Whether we were winning or losing, the camaraderie and team spirit made every moment worthwhile. I’m grateful to have been a part of it!”
Ben Hayes - 21'
"Playing rugby at Wake taught me three core values: community, balance, and persistence. The support of my teammates turned tough moments—like grueling conditioning and early morning wake-ups—into something rewarding.
That sense of community has carried into my career, making long hours more manageable. Rugby also set a foundation for staying active despite a busy schedule. Most importantly, our coaches emphasized pushing past roadblocks, which shaped my approach to problem-solving, networking, and professional growth."