Photo Credit: Dakota Elliott Photography
By Lauren Means • Photos Provided by Nashville Women’s Rugby
“I’ve been an athlete my entire life and have participated in various sports from golf to rugby to white water rafting. I had my first significant injury last year — yes, from rugby. I’ve never questioned my continuation in the club or within the sport of rugby,” said Veronica “V” Alfaro of the Nashville Women’s Rugby Club.
Rugby can be aggressive and there is no real difference between men’s and women’s clubs in terms of tackling and contact. However, if you ask any rugby player if an injury made them want to stop playing, the answer is no. “I only consider how my body is changing as I age, what I can do to better condition myself, and how I will evolve my participation in the game to continue being the best player I can be,” V explained.
While there is not much differentiating between men’s and women’s rugby, it took decades longer for women’s clubs to be officially recognized. While men’s rugby got its formal start in the 1800s, the women’s teams were not truly acknowledged until the mid to late 1900s.
It was also during the 1990s when the Nashville Women’s Rugby Club laid the foundation for the team we know today. The team was founded in 1996 and was originally a conglomerate of players from across Tennessee. “At the time,” V said, “rugby was a lesser-known sport in the US and especially in Southern states, but it has always attracted passionate athletes.”
The game requires 15 players per team on the field and a host of substitutes that can be put in at a moment’s notice. “Women from all walks of life, skill levels, and cities in Tennessee came together in the 90s to ensure we all had playtime. As rugby itself has steadily grown in popularity, we now see women’s teams across the state in each major city, college, and the growth of new and budding teams,” V noted.
The club, known as the Stone Lions, is named after Chattanooga’s beloved and now-closed Stone Lion Tavern, which provided a lot of the early funding for the team. Because the team was made of players from across the state it was not so odd to have the Nashville-based team supported by a Chattanooga-based bar.
V explained how the mascot, Stone Lion, lends itself to athleticism and the toughness of the game. “The lioness offers a strong metaphor as a determined hunter, and lions move as a unit just as we do in rugby. Our game is made of individuals who, together, create a team that is ‘tough as stone.’ We are a pride of Stone Lions.”
Busy season ahead
The Stone Lions are gearing up for their 2023-24 season which will begin in September. Along with their matches, they will also host several fundraising events to help get them to the Bingham Cup in Rome. As a 501(c)3, they fundraise across the year to support their regular season but heading out on an international tournament creates the need for a significant amount of additional funds.
“We are doubling up on our traditional fundraising methods — participating in a variety of events within the community as well as merchandise sales, car washes where possible, partnering with local vendors to bring attention to the sport, collaborating with other sports teams in town, and more,” said V.
You can also support the team while having a night out in November by attending their biggest fundraiser of the year — Kings for a Night. The show will feature drag performances by club members’ alter-egos. This year it will be held Friday, November 17 at Play Dance Bar.
If you are a business owner, they are also looking for sponsorships and partnerships with local businesses. “We patronize businesses as a team and offer advertising on our websites,” V noted.
True inclusivity
V said she’s made lifelong friends through the team. “The Stone Lions put an emphasis on community and there is a place for everyone who wants to join the team — we have both player and social members, leadership positions, and [of course] every sport needs its fans. I know if I need to complain, want to share something funny, need help, etc. I can turn to my team and someone will answer.”
If this sounds like an organization of which you want to be a part, V says to reach out. The Stone Lions are an inclusive rugby team and welcome people of all backgrounds and all skill levels. “We love to see old ruggers who are new to Nashville to offer you that familiar sense of camaraderie you may be missing from previous teams. But if you have never played rugby before joining the Stone Lions, know that you are not alone! Many people come to us without previous rugby knowledge or sports participation; we will teach you rugby.” They also support the inclusion of transgender players so they encourage anyone interested in the sport to give it a try.
Connect
Web: https://nashvillewomensrugby.com/
Instagram @nashvillewomensrugby
To Support the Team’s Trip to Rome
Donate directly via Venmo: @nashvillewomensrugby or PayPal: @nwrfc.
Merchandise can be purchased at local rugby events or by contacting them via Instagram @nasvhvillewomensrugby.
Here’s where you can find the Iron Lions this fall:
- August 19th: Fundraiser! Come to the Lipstick Lounge from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to have the team wash your car for a donation.
- September 23rd: Heart of Dixie Tournament in Huntsville, AL
- September 30th: Game vs. St. Louis Sabres in St. Louis, MO
- October 14th: Game vs. Knoxville Minx at Hendersonville Rugby Complex, Hendersonville, TN
- October 21st: Game vs. Memphis Flamingos in Memphis, TN
- November 11th: Game vs. Chattanooga Queens at Hendersonville Rugby Complex, Hendersonville, TN
- November 17th: Fundraiser! Come to Play Dance Bar at 8 p.m. to watch the Stone Lions perform for you as Drag Kings!
