Get Sporty in Spring: Rugby Teams You Can Join in Beijing

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Things are starting to warm up in the capital as winter finally releases its grip on the weather – meaning it’s time to get outside for a bit of crisp warmer weather. While we’re big proponents of walking about this fair city, another great way to get to know Beijing – all while keeping fit and meeting people – is to join a sports team.

There are plenty of teams to pick from, so we’ve decided to list some of the best and most active, with rugby being one of the most popular pastimes in the capital.

Plus, it’s as good a time as ever to get involved in the sport as well, with games planned for tomorrow (Saturday, Apr 8, see poster above) as well as a Beijing rugby tournament happening on May 25.

Aardvarks Rugby

With their men’s team having been founded in 1999 and their women’s team founded in 2014, the Aardvarks can count themselves as one of the oldest rugby clubs in Beijing. The club trains at Lark Side Park football field on Thursdays at 8pm and is a diverse group with over 40 nationalities represented over the years that’s open to anyone of any skill level interested in joining.

The Aardvarks have long prided themselves as being the most social team in China. Whether it be rugby dinners, drinks at Paddy O’Sheas or touring China, the club loves to enjoy each other’s company and make great memories together. The club will be hosting a BBQ this Saturday, Apr 8 after their games at 4pm, as well as a pub quiz at their sponsored bar Paddy O’Sheas on Apr 12, so if you’re interested in joining those are the best upcoming dates to check out the Aardvarks.

To find out more about the club and see ow you can join, contact captains Wayne Pearson (WeChat ID: waynosa) or Lize de Plooy (WeChat ID: lizedp1). Alternatively, you can contact club chairman Tim Jones as well (ID: timothyjones419).

Beijing Devils Rugby Club

The Devils, one of the oldest (and, dare they say, wisest) rugby clubs in Beijing, are like a family: everyone is welcome, be they beginners to the fiercest of competitors to those simply looking to make new friends in a fun environment. The club is focused on enjoying themselves on and off the pitch by creating an environment where people from all walks of life can come together in the name of rugby. Involvement in the club includes weekly training – every Tuesday, 7.30-9.30pm at the International School of Beijing (ISB)* – socials, games, and opportunities for domestic and international tours (see you soon, Seoul). The club also offers flexible options for membership including social, social plus, and players. And of course, being a member means Devil’s swag!

To learn more about the Devils or to join the club, scan the QR codes in the poster above.

*There is a bus that leaves from Xingdong Lu to take players who live downtown to Shunyi.

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Beijing Ducks Rugby Club

The Beijing Ducks offer the best of both worlds, with serious rugby competition and social fun off the field as well. The club trains in Shilipu every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm before heading around the corner for drinks and social time. What’s more, men and women of all abilities are welcome, with the teams coached by both extremely experienced ladies and men’s coaches.

Aisling Brosnan played with Blackrock (top four in the All Ireland League) and for Connacht (senior interprovincial level). Alongside her playing career she learnt to coach, assisting for nine years and has lead coached women and children’s rugby for the past six years.

The Ducks' women's team

He Zhongliang is China’s first professional rugby player and played for Mitsubishi in Japan’s division one for four years. He turned his playing passion to coaching and now heads up the Ducks' men’s team.

The Ducks are more than just a team, they’re a family, playing in a social Beijing league as well as competing and touring in higher level tournaments all over China and Asia. Their social scene is popping as well, with weekly socials ranging from a night at the pub and KTV to hikes, movie nights, ice skating, and holidays together.

To join the Ducks or to find out more about the club, follow them on WeChat (ID: BeijingDucksRugby) or Instagram @beijingduckswugby (women’s team) and @Beijingducksrugbyclub (men’s team). You can also drop Beccy a line on WeChat (ID: beccykemp) for more info.

Phoenix Rugby Club

Founded in 2021 as an all-inclusive women’s team, Phoenix Rugby Club has since grown to include a men’s team as well. The club was created with one mission – to play rugby with creativity, passion, and energy. The pacific island tattoo print Phoenix sports was created for the team to embody the spiritual power of every player.

Phoenix’s women’s team trains at either 335, Candy Field or Cinema Field in northeast Chaoyang on Wednesdays, while their men’s team trains on Thursdays. If no game is scheduled they have combined training on Saturdays. Even though the club takes the game seriously, they’re still open to fun, gathering at their home pub to talk about the game, attending outside activities or even hosting BBQs.

Phoenix is open to players of all abilities. If you’d like to join or find out more, add the following committee members on WeChat: ianslate or aaaAmber925.

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Images: Unsplash, courtesy of the clubs

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