A member of the SnoCo Rhinos rugby team looks to catch the ball against a member of the opposing team during one of the team’s games.
Photo courtesy SnoCo Rhinos Rugby Club
Since 2023, Snohomish County has seen the sport of rugby grow and develop a tradition with the Rhinos Rugby Club.
During their seasons from September to November and February to April, the club plays 14 matches, with home games in Everett and Lake Stevens and away matches around the Northwest and even in British Columbia, Canada. During the week the team practices twice a week at 8 p.m. at Mountlake Terrace’s Evergreen Playfield.
The team is made up of players from Snohomish County, Seattle and the Eastside, with players coming from as far north as Marysville, as south as West Seattle as east as Bellevue, and all parts in between.
Given the late practices and physically demanding nature of the sport, the players are united by their love of the game.
“Rugby is an amazing sport that inherently requires teamwork, spirit and courage to be successful. Many players say it is the greatest sport they’ve ever played and that the camaraderie they’ve experienced is like no other,” said Kenneth Sugimoto, the club’s president, assistant coach, and occasional player.
“Community is one of the Rhinos’ core values, and our players develop strong bonds with each other, our social groups, and the wider community through our outreach efforts. It really is like a large family, and we are always accepting new members,” Sugimoto said.
He also appreciates how inclusive the game is, allowing a broad range of players to participate. “Rugby is inclusive for players of all backgrounds, experience levels, athletic ability, and body types and shapes. There is a position for everyone.”
Nate Davis is the club’s captain and is one of the players grateful to have a chance to play rugby locally.
“I had nearly given up hope of finding a local rugby club in Snohomish County. But after months of looking, I finally stumbled upon the Snohomish Rhinos. I saw that they were brand new to the scene and thought I would give them a try. I believe I attended one of the first 10 practices officially hosted by the Rhinos. And just like with my first team, I was immediately sucked in.” He registered for the team that night.
The club has also been a palace for newer players to learn and develop. Ask Hayden Durant, who stumbled upon the club and is in his second season.
As a player, Durant also appreciates the community and cohort the club has created.
“The community aspect is what makes Rhino’s rugby different from other clubs (even other sports). Not only does the club have a large emphasis on the community within the club through camaraderie and dedication to the sport,” but also by “giving back by volunteering in the surrounding community,” said Durant.
The Rhinos organization has big plans for the future, including starting a women’s team, and the club aims to be something the local community can be proud of.
“We believe we provide great value to the Snohomish County community and welcome new recruits of any background or experience level, as well as any financial support that individuals or businesses may be gracious enough to offer. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,” said Sugimoto.
For more information, check out their website at snocorugby.com.
“It’s a great sport, and anyone curious should come to a practice and at least give it a try,” Sugimoto said.
