Introducing a Dynamic Sport to Montana Schools
TRY Rugby Montana
Our “Try Rugby” program is the pioneering initiative within the Montana Institute of Sport’s “Try Sport” umbrella, specifically designed to introduce non-contact rugby to Montana’s public school students. This program delivers an engaging 8-week curriculum, complemented by on-site clinics and all necessary equipment provided by MIS. The program’s success is evident in its widespread interest, with hundreds of additional teachers and schools eager to participate. “Try Rugby” not only introduces students to a new sport but also connects them with new experiences, breaking down barriers to participation and promoting inclusivity
Cultivating Passion and Skill Through Try Rugby
“Try Rugby” has proven to be a highly effective program in fostering a passion for the sport, as highlighted by feedback from participating teachers. Teachers praise the program’s ability to engage students throughout the entire class period, allowing them to learn new skills and experience physical activity in a fun, stress-free environment. The program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of rugby in an enjoyable way. Since the inception of “Try Rugby,” Montana Youth Rugby Club Programs have doubled in numbers, with three of them directly supported by MIS. Furthermore, the Montana Youth Rugby Union has seen significant growth, with a 4x increase in players, 3x in coaches, and 5x in referees. This program has also contributed to two Montanan high school players receiving scholarships to a NCAA Division I-A Rugby program for the first time, and two high school programs achieving national rankings.