At the youth level, rugby is a spring sport.  Panther Rugby Club starts practices in late February or early March.  Our games are held in April and May, and we finish the season around Memorial Day Weekend.  

Please register online at https://myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au and select “RI Spring Season 2026 Girls Grades 7-8."  Note that the 2026 registration will not be open until early 2026.

We practice on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6pm- 7:30pm.

The game schedule for our Spring 2026 season is TBD.  The Spring Tournament is usually held on or just before Memorial Day Weekend,

Panther Rugby is coached by Katherine Gering-Williams, Nevada Inman, Mara Johnson, and Brooke Carpenter-Gee.  

Coach Kat played rugby at the high school and college levels, winning state her senior year at North Central High school and serving as the club secretary at Ball State University.  She helped coach the North Central girls' team from 2017-2019, and began coaching the Panthers in 2018.  Katherine served as a Rugby Indiana board member, and currently plays with the Indianapolis Hoydens.

Coach Nevada has been playing rugby for 5 seasons now, four with Ball State University and one over the summer with the Indianapolis Hoydens.  She serves on the executive board for Ball State Rugby as Media and Marketing Chair.  Nevada is working on a Public History degree with Minors in Anthropology/ Archeology to start a career as a Park Ranger. 

Coach Mara played rugby for 4 years at Bishop Chatard and 4 years at the University of Montana. She is an elementary teacher in Washington Township. 

Coach Gee started playing rugby in 2019 with the Knoxville Minx.  She is a USAR Club rugby national champion and national runner-up.  She currently plays for the Circle City Tempests.

Coaches are trained and certified in rugby coaching under USA Rugby, and also hold certifications in concussion protocol, safety basics, and are required to pass a background check.  

That’s okay, we can work around your schedule. Talk to the coaches about your conflicts and we will work with you to find a solution.

Complete a physical with the athlete’s pediatrician, or this can be done at most pharmacies. The completed physical should be turned in to the Athletic Director at her school.

Complete the Panther Rugby Club waiver and turn it in to a coach at practice.

Register online to be covered by insurance: https://myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au

For practice, wear athletic clothes (like what you would wear for gym class) and bring a water bottle. You will also need to get a mouthguard and cleats for outdoor practices and games, as well as black shorts and socks. A jersey will be provided.

There is an $90 registration fee, and if this is an issue you can apply for a scholarship here: https://www.rugbyindiana.com/page/show/933972-rugby-indiana-scholarships-and-grants

Team dues are $35 and can be paid by cash or check (made out to Panther Rugby) and covers a jersey to wear for the season as well as miscellaneous team expenses.

We meet for practice at the old Northview gym.  The first few weeks of practice are inside, and we go outside for practice after Spring Break.  The rugby fields are on the south-east side of campus, behind the baseball fields.

Panther Rugby is open to players in Washington Township in grades 6-8.  If you do not attend school in Washington Township but your school does not have a team, you may still be eligible to join our program.  Send us a message to learn more.

Currently, we only have a girls middle school program.  We are working on creating a boys middle school program for next year.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to help coach or referee, send us a message!

Panther Rugby Club is a place where all are included, welcomed, and respected.  We recognize diversity in the rugby community, and we value inclusivity.  Rugby is, and will continue to be, a sport for all.