Rugby is a sport unlike any other — not just in how it’s played, but in who it welcomes.
“Rugby gives every player a chance,” says Tom Fossell of the Milwaukee Barbarians.
“There’s a spot on the field for any body type. It’s one of the few sports where size, shape, and speed all have their place. Bigger, stronger players often find their roles among the forwards — think lineman types — while faster athletes fill the backs, similar to wide receivers or quarterbacks in football. But no matter your build, there’s a role for you.”
Brotherhood Beyond the Field
Despite their fierce name, the Milwaukee Barbarians are known more for their camaraderie as mush as their aggression.
“No matter where it is in the world, you instantly have a new family,” Joe Grams explains.
“They’ll give you the shirt off their back. Let you sleep on their couch. Whatever you need — they’ve got you.”
That sense of community stretches far beyond city limits. Players commute from Kenosha to Madison to be part of the team.
“People make their way into the city to come play with us,” says Collin DeOcampo — a testament to the strong pull of rugby culture.
Organized and Ambitious
“We like to come across as a very organized team,” DeOcampo says. “In a sport where guys come from all kinds of backgrounds, we try to treat our club like the premier rugby club in Wisconsin.”
A Sport on the Rise
Fossell has seen firsthand how the sport is gaining momentum.
“The game’s grown in leaps and bounds,” he says. “Publicity from the U.S. Women’s team medaling at the Olympics helped push rugby into the spotlight. From high schools to colleges to men’s clubs, interest in the game is spreading — and fast.”
“Give Rugby a Try”
Joe Grahams delivers a final pitch of his own: “Give rugby a try.” The pun is intentional — in rugby, scoring is called a “try.” But beyond the wordplay is a real invitation.
“Try the sport. Try the community. You might just find something you didn’t know you were looking for.”
