The Clayton Rugby Football Club is proud to announce the launch of a women’s rugby program, marking the next step in the club’s growth and long-term vision of providing rugby opportunities for everyone in Johnston County.
From its earliest days, Clayton RFC has stood on the belief that rugby is more than a sport — it’s a community. It unites families, welcomes newcomers, builds friendships, and creates a sense of belonging that lasts long after the final whistle. With the launch of a women’s team, that sense of belonging expands to even more athletes who are ready to experience what it means to represent and be part of the club.
Club President, Ted Hardy:
“This is a big moment for our club. From day one, we’ve dreamed of being a place where anyone who wants to play and be involved in rugby has a home. Launching a women’s side brings us closer to that mission and strengthens the foundation of who we are.”
The women’s program will embody the same culture that has shaped Clayton RFC since 2013 — community, family, respect, and hard work. Whether someone is a first-time player, returning to play after a time away, interested in a supporting role or simply curious about the sport, there is a role and a place for them.
A name for the new women’s side has yet to be chosen. The club would like the first generation of Clayton RFC women’s players to decide on a nickname and have a hand in designing the crest that they will wear proudly. They will join our Bootleggers (Men) and Wombats (Youth Flag) as the newest section of the club but share the same One Club spirit.
The launch will start with a Try Rugby session and interest meeting on January 10th at the Johnston County Rugby Park. All women ages 18+ are welcome — no experience is required.
Following the session, attendees are invited to join the rest of the club for a post-training social, giving new players a chance to get to know some of the Clayton RFC family in a relaxed and fun setting.
Rugby skills can be learned, but community needs to be built. That’s what January 10th is all about.
The January 10th kickoff is just the first step in a road map to build a Women’s side:
“This is the beginning of a program that will be an important part of Clayton RFC,” added Hardy. “We look forward to the challenge of building the side and welcoming more new friends to our club.”
The addition of the women’s team reinforces something that has always been true about Clayton RFC — rugby is for anyone who wants to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Whether you’ve played before or never touched a ball, if you’re looking for fitness, fun, friendship, or competition, you’ll find it here.
📍 Johnston County Rugby Park
⏱ Interest Meeting & Try Rugby Session, 11:00am-12:00pm
🎉 Post-training social with the rest of the club at Raleigh Brewing JoCo
💬 All skill and fitness levels welcome
To RSVP to the session and/or request more information email us at: info@claytonrfc.com
Follow us on social media for updates: @ClaytonRFC (Facebook & Instagram)
Founded in 2013, the Clayton Rugby Football Club is a community-driven, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the sport of rugby while building connections that extend far beyond the pitch. The club fields Men’s, Old Boys, and Youth Flag Rugby programs and welcomes players of all experience levels, along with social members and supporters. Clayton RFC is one of the few clubs in the Southeast with its own dedicated rugby facility and continues to invest in creating a family-friendly home for rugby in Johnston County. At its core, Clayton RFC believes in the power of sport to unite people, serve the community, and create lifelong friendships.
