February/March 2025
Photography // Courtesy of Carmel Rugby Football Club
In the world of sports, few activities rival the camaraderie and intensity found on a rugby field. For Carmel Rugby Football Club, this passion for the sport transcends generations, shaping a legacy that continues to inspire players and fans alike.
Purpose and Community Engagement
Carmel Rugby Football Club is a not-for-profit high school rugby sports club operating in Carmel. It is open to both boys and girls between grades nine and 12.
The club actively recruits players at all experience levels—no experience necessary. Participating through Rugby Indiana, both boys and girls teams actively participate in the spring and fall rugby seasons.
Since its founding in the 1980s, Carmel Rugby Football Club has been a cornerstone of the community. The club’s growth mirrors the rise in popularity of rugby in the region, driven by dedicated individuals like Director of Rugby Operations, Jeff Russell, who recalled the challenges of establishing a club culture.
“Building a team isn’t just about wins; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging,” Russell expressed. “Our club became a second family for many.”
One of the club’s earlier members and current Girls Co-Head Coach, Andy Markovitz, recalled his experience as a player. Markovitz expressed excitement about the direction the team is heading, and the energy that both he and his fellow Girls Co-Head Coach, Tayler Wiggs, bring to the girls’ side of the club.
Markowitz stated, “I played for the team from 2004-2008, and that was the first time I learned anything about rugby after moving to Carmel. I graduated in 2008, and back then, rugby was just starting to gain a foothold in the community.”
Currently, Carmel Rugby Football Club boasts around 30 boys and approximately 22-23 girls on their respective teams. The club’s hope is to continue growing those numbers as the sport gains more exposure and local support.
Beyond the thrill of competition, Carmel Rugby Football Club is committed to community engagement and youth development. Rugby in Carmel starts at a young age through the Carmel Dad’s Club, which offers the sport through eighth grade.
Wiggs takes pride in helping young female athletes discover rugby at an earlier age than she did.
“I am just so thankful to be a part of rugby because in the past, I didn’t know about it until I was in college,” Wiggs said. “Carmel is the only place in the state where a girl can go through rugby from second grade all the way through high school at this current moment in time. Hopefully, other teams will continue growing in their areas, too.”
The Rugby Culture
Rugby is more than just a sport. It is a way of life that emphasizes respect, sportsmanship and community.
Russell touched on the unique expectations of behavior within the rugby world compared to other youth sports. In rugby, players are expected to respect not only the game but also their opponents and the referees, regardless of the situation on the field. This mentality forms the foundation of Carmel Rugby Football Club culture.
“Rugby’s different when it comes to the conduct and behavior we expect of our players and our parents,” Russell said. “Rugby isn’t just about aggression on the field. It’s about maintaining respect for everyone involved.”
Carmel Rugby Football Club reinforces this culture of respect, both in how players interact with one another and how parents support their children from the sidelines. This sense of dignity and sportsmanship is at the core of the rugby experience and is something the club is deeply committed to fostering.
Opportunities for Growth
As Carmel Rugby Football Club gears up for the upcoming season, there are exciting opportunities for new members to join the ranks. The spring season starts in mid-March and runs through about May.
Russell encouraged prospective players, “Don’t hesitate to come out and give rugby a try. You’ll find a welcoming environment and a chance to challenge yourself.”
At the same time, the club is actively seeking new sponsors to support its growth. Alan Irvin, president and treasurer, explained the financial reality of running a volunteer-based organization.
“We are certainly looking for sponsors,” Irvin said. “Our budget is awfully modest—it’s tight, and everything comes from dues at this point and a few key sponsors. So, we are really trying to focus on fundraising and getting local businesses involved. We’re also looking to reconnect with former rugby players in the community and get them involved.”
Open to All High School Students
Another important aspect of Carmel Rugby Football Club is its inclusivity. The club is open to all high school students in Carmel as long as their high school does not have a rugby team. The club is eager to provide a welcoming space for all high school students interested in rugby, regardless of which school they attend.
Russell added, “Together, we can continue to build on our legacy and inspire future generations of rugby players.”
Interested in joining the team or supporting the club? Contact Carmel Rugby Football Club at playcarmelrugby@gmail.com. You can also visit their website at carmelrugbyclub.com.
Carmel Rugby Football Club Staff
Boys Head Coach, Pablo Arroyo
Girls Co-Head Coach, Tayler Wiggs
Girls Co-Head Coach, Andy Markovitz
Director of Rugby Operations, Jeff Russell
Assistant Coach, Jeff Larkin
Assistant Coach, Larry Shiller
Assistant Coach, Branden Eckholm