In the summer of 2021, the PIAA Board of Directors approved girls rugby as an “emerging sport,” and it was officially introduced in Pennsylvania in April 2021. In 2023, Mt. Lebanon formed its inaugural team as a spring sport, consisting of players from eighth grade through juniors under coach Bri Allen, with 17 players signing up for the first season.
Senior Eli Page was a member of that inaugural team. Her rugby journey began when a friend invited her to attend a clinic. Although she was initially nervous, the team’s welcoming and supportive environment made her feel comfortable and inspired her to continue playing.
“The culture of my team is honestly probably my favorite thing about us,” Page said. “You will never see any of us get overly upset or mad at anyone, and everyone just wants the best for their teammates. Even if you make a mistake, miss a tackle or drop the ball, no one will ever say anything about it. We move on, reset, give each other constructive criticism and move on with our game.”
For those unfamiliar with rugby, one of the most important rules is that the ball cannot be passed forward — it must always be passed backward. The game combines elements of soccer and football, featuring continuous movement, physical tackling and an emphasis on maintaining possession.
Since her freshman year, Page has watched the team’s confidence steadily grow, transforming the way they approach each game.
“If you go back and watch our first games, we used to be really timid on the field,” Page said. “I think that finally having so many more girls with experience, you can really see through the way we play that we are so much more confident. Even when we go into tough games, everyone just plays with much more confidence.”
Throughout her experience with Mt. Lebanon girls rugby, Page has learned what it means to be part of a true community. The team’s constant support has taught her the importance of trust, encouragement and always showing up for one another.
“This applies heavily while we’re playing, but it’s the exact same way when we’re not,” Page said. “You cannot play a good rugby game if there’s only one person doing everything; it is very much a team sport, and we thrive when we’re working together. Community is such a big part of the sport.”
Page also said she has become very close with players from neighboring school districts, adding that competing against them is one of the highlights of each season.
“On the field, we tackle each other and hit each other as hard as we can, but at the end of the day, we walk off the pitch, and they’re still my best friends who I love with my whole heart,” Page said.
Looking ahead, Page hopes the team will continue to grow and attract more players.
“I really hope to see everyone grow and develop as players individually, especially because I’ve watched these girls since their first day playing rugby and seen how they have improved,” Page said. “I hope they get to go to tournaments or fun events once we’re more developed, and I will definitely be cheering them on from afar because I know they’re going to do great things.”
For underclassmen considering rugby, Page strongly encourages them to give it a try.
“100% do it. Rugby is the best thing that I’ve ever done, and I can’t imagine not doing it,” Page said. “If you’re worried about not having played a sport before or about the contact, it seems scary, but there is really a role for every single person. Whether you’re really fast or strong, you will find your place. The first game is nerve-racking, but after that it clicks, and it’s such a rewarding feeling.”
Page also noted that some players join the team with no prior sports experience. Despite that, many quickly develop their skills and become some of the most talented players on the team.
Over the past four years, Page said her favorite part of high school has been rugby season.
“When I get to be with my team again, I’m just so happy,” Page said. “I love going to practice, going to lifts and team dinners. I love the time between games when we’re waiting to go back on and everyone’s just hanging out. I love all the people, I love all the coaches — just everything about the sport and this team. They are so supportive, and I know I always have my people there, and I’m really grateful for them.”
