UTICUSE HELLBENDERS RUGBY CLUB

Uticuse Rugby Club has a rich history of supporting the growth of Women’s+ Rugby in Central New York. Uticuse was born in 2008 of the Syracuse Harlots and the Utica Hellbenders – two beer-league clubs that, instead of fighting for players, joined together to become a dominant force in D2 Women’s+ Rugby, hence the name Uti-Cuse! Now the team is comprised of members from all over Central New York, and has joined forces with CNY Rugby, Inc. to provide youth, highschool, women’s+, and men’s rugby teams all within one organization in Syracuse, NY.

Since 2008, Uticuse had grown into a competitive powerhouse in the Empire Geographic Union Women’s+ D2 League, competing against teams ranging from Western, Central and Downstate NY, to the Tri-State area, and regularly qualifying for playoff runs.

In 2023, Uticuse joined the Midwest Rugby Union in the Western New York D2 Women’s+ Division. The team ended their first year in the new league in 8th place out of 16 teams making it to the first round of playoffs.

Uticuse makes every effort to be an active member of the community and to give back. The team hosts a yearly 10’s style rugby benefit tournament, Ruck Cancer, in which a different beneficiary is sponsored each year. The tournament started to support a founding member, and in the years since has supported individuals, families, and local nonprofits dedicated to supporting persons affected by cancer. Visit the Ruck Cancer tab for more information.

The team remains active throughout the year even in the off-season by representing at the local parades, supporting community events, and partnering with our sponsors for team social events and First Friday happy hour meet and greets.
Beyond the field, Uticuse works really hard to ‘win’ the social aspect of every rugby competition by being the nicest and most fun team in any league or tournament. With a positive attitude, willingness to try new strategy, and welcoming anyone with an interest in the sport, Uticuse embodies the #WithYou attitude that Rugby is known for. Every win we take home is a team effort, and for a self-proclaimed bunch of Silly Gooses, we sure do win a lot.