Information for New Players

The Potomac Exiles encourage players of all experience and skill sets to come out for the team. Whether you have international experience or are trying rugby for the first time, the Exiles would love to see you on the pitch!

Feel free to contact Mike Minchik with any questions you may have and he will be happy to help you out.

All Players Welcome!

Experienced ruggers will enjoy the level of competition playing on the Division 1 side.  The Potomac Exiles play the top teams in the Mid Atlantic region.  Our club fields multiple players that have competed at some of the top college and high school programs in the nation.   We won our conference in 2014, and look to repeat that feat each and every year.

New to rugby or want to learn how to play?  Our experienced coach staff, along with veteran players, will teach you the skills you need.  Newcomers to rugby can learn the sport on the fly playing for the Potomac Exiles developmental side.  This side is a mix of Division 1 reserves, older veterans, and new club members.   

Competition

The Potomac Exiles competes in the in the Mid-Atlantic Conference.  All players will be given a chance to earn a starting spot, regardless of experience with the club. We play in competitive matches each week with a developmental games throughout the season.

What you need to get started

If you want to give rugby a try all newcomers are welcomed to try several practices with the Potomac Exiles at no cost, you only need to bring yourself and a pair of sneakers or cleats. To play in a league match, you will have some basic equipment and register with USA rugby. This list below is all you need for a season:

  • Cleats (Rugby, Soccer, and football cleats all acceptable, both studded and molded)

  • Mouth piece

  • Rugby Shorts (black preferred)

  • Register with the club through USA Rugby Xplorer
    • Region: Capital Rugby Union
    • Team: Potomac Exiles Rugby Club

  • Contact Mike Minchik to get added to the club email list and if you have any questions
  • The club provides jerseys each match and team socks once you pay dues

Practices

(Updated August 2023)

Every Tuesday and Thursday 7:30PM to 9:30PM at David C. Driskell Park in Hyattsville, Maryland!

 

Games

Home games are played  on Saturdays at 1PM either at Raoul Wallenberg place, Timberlawn Park or the Farm at Aldie. Away matches are throughout the DC area, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Norfolk.

Social Events

Each Saturday, after every rugby match, the home team hosts the visiting team at a local bar and treats them to post match drinking.  In addition to post game drink ups, the Potomac Exiles host multiple events throughout the year including a holiday party, end of year BBQ, happy hours, etc.  Rugby is a great way to build up social connections and network, especially if you are new to a city!