The Austin Valkyries Women’s Rugby Club is a powerhouse of women’s rugby in Texas. It has teams in both Division 1 and 2, which makes it one of the biggest women’s clubs in the US.
The Valks have been leading the charge of women’s rugby in Texas since 1991. They have close ties with the Austin Huns, a top-class men’s rugby club.
Where Do The Austin Valkyries Train?
The Valkyries share training fields with the Austin Huns. The grounds are in North East Austin.
The address of the Huns Rugby Fields is 4107 Nixon Lane, Austin, TX 78724.
Training is usually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The Facebook group has the most up-to-date news about schedules.
Austin Valkyries Women’s Teams
The Austin Valkyries rugby club is dedicated to women i.e. they don’t have men’s teams.
They have women’s teams in both Division 1 and 2, which makes them one of the larger clubs.
Division 1
The first team had a fantastic season in 2018/2019 and were only beaten in the final. They reached the semi-finals the previous year and the quarterfinals in 2016/2017.
The team play in the competitive Red Rock River Conference (RRRC), which they won outright in 2018.
Division 2
The D2 team won their conference in both 2018/19 and the season before. They reached the Round Of 8 both years at national level.
Girls Rugby
The Austin Huns run a great youth program that is inclusive to boys and girls. The Valkyries get involved with support and coaching.
At pre-middle school ages, the children play non-contact rugby in mixed teams of boys and girls. The emphasis is on fun and skills, with everyone getting lots of chances to run with the ball.
Older girls can join the middle school girls team and play against other youth clubs. While the boys’ teams wear the Huns colors, the girls get Valkyries jerseys!
Sevens Rugby
The club sends 7s teams to various summer tournaments in Texas and beyond. There’s the Hell Or High Water Tournament in Houston, and the Chattanooga Pitch-a-Tent 7s tournament…to name just a few.
The Huns fields also host the hugely popular Bloodfest Sevens tournament every year. This is a major fundraising event for the Valks, and everyone pitches in – whether playing or helping behind the scenes.
Joining The Austin Valkyries Rugby Club
Don’t let the club’s success make you think they are only interested in experienced newcomers.
The Valks welcome everyone, regardless of experience.
There are no try-outs, they will get you involved with practice sessions and touch matches. You’ll soon be playing sevens and full fifteens while enjoying the great social aspects of the club.
If you’re new to Austin, check out the club’s Facebook group for the latest news on training times. You can also send the coach an email, the details are on the website.
You may be wondering what to bring to your first evening of training. You’ll be okay to start with soccer cleats until you get a pair of proper rugby boots. A mouthguard is also important.
We’ve got more details here on what equipment and gear you need when starting rugby. You can also get an idea of the costs involved.
Coaches At The Austin Valkyries
Luis “Wheezy” Sanchez is the head coach at the Austin Valkyries. He’s also the club president at the Austin Huns – which shows the close connections between these sibling clubs.
Wheezy played fly half for the Huns for many years. He played both fifteens and 7s rugby and coaches the two codes at the Valkyries.
You may also get the chance of coaching sessions run by the local professional franchise. The AGs are a professional rugby club playing in the MLR.
The franchise is actively reaching out to build bonds with local amateur clubs, including the Valkyries. You can read more about their history in our article on the owners of the Austin Gilgronis.
Online Presence And Social Media
This is their club website.
Their Facebook group also has up-to-date news and banter. You’ll find some video footage of matches on the FB site.