Support Spartans Rugby for the Season of 2023-2024!

The Michigan State Men’s Rugby Club has had a presence at MSU for over 50 years. This year we had the incredible opportunity to play in the Battle for the Castle Bowl game at the CRAA Fall Classic against Mount St. Mary’s. While the game was challenging it helped put us on the map and show others that we are competitive at this level.

The team aims to create an opportunity for our players to participate in the sport at a higher level.  While the team is successfully competing at these higher levels, the funds needed to continue doing so are having a larger impact on our players as we are a fully self-funded club.

As a club we have a lot of expenses that have we incur such as equipment, club gear, travel, and events. Help MSU Men’s Rugby continue competing at a higher level by making a gift today.  

Your Support Will Make a Huge Difference

Your support will have a massive impact on the club in the eyes of our club. Funds will be used to keep dues down for our players and help us travel. Overall, the money raised will help with club operations and continue the long-standing tradition of Spartan excellence.

Project Budget

Each year the team has a variety of operating costs needed for us to stay competitive. During practice we build the foundation in which we excel and in order to do so, we need to have the appropriate equipment.  Equipment used by our club includes goal posts, practice pads and balls. These items alone cost upwards of a couple thousand dollars which is a big strain on our club funds.

Every time we step out on the field, we want to represent MSU and look cohesive as a team. Our kits are an important part of looking presentable.  Kits include game day shorts and a jersey that each member needs.  For cold weather games, which are all too common in Michigan, we have thermal coats for our players which need to be replaced frequently. 

Travel is important for advancing our clubs skills and reach. Like we did this fall traveling to North Carolina for the CRAA Fall Classic, we hope to continue traveling for games.  With this comes additional expenses for our players.  Typical expenses include hotel stays and occasionally renting a charter bus for long haul games.

At the close of the season, we have a team banquet to celebrate the achievements of this past season. We use this time to celebrate, reflect and appreciate all the time and effort our coaches, players and supporters have given us. Funds will be used to help cover the cost of hosting this celebration.

As a self-funded team, any way we can secure funds to continue playing the game we love is a huge win for us. As a club, we also secure funds for the club's future to ensure it will still be running in the future. This means looking to come out at the end of the season with a little money to put into our team bank account as a safety net and to ensure the club has money down the road.

Who We Are

The team running the rugby project typically consists of various individuals in key roles. At the forefront is the coaching staff, led by the Head Coach Jim Rodgers, who is responsible for developing game strategies, managing player training and making critical in-game decisions. Assisting the head coach are assistant coaches Todd Strbik (Rugby Alumni) and Dave Poquette (Former USA Eagle) who specialize in various aspects of the game.

In addition to the coaching staff, this is a player-run club with players responsible for logistical and administrative tasks, including scheduling matches, arranging travel and coordinating player communication. Lastly, there is a leadership group within the team, often consisting of senior players who provide guidance and help maintain team cohesion. Together, this team of coaches, managers and support staff work in harmony to drive the rugby project towards success.

Make a Gift by Mail:

University Advancement
Spartan Way
535 Chestnut Road, Room 300
East Lansing, MI 48824

*Make check payable to Michigan State University and write “Appeal 24GGDCF1RGBY” in the note section.

Connect with Us

• facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/391934347580051/
• instagram - https://instagram.com/msu_mrugby?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• website - https://www.michiganstaterugby.com/

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