WORCESTER – The Worcester Public Schools’ (WPS) rugby team, the WPS Wildcats, has been granted varsity status and Division 2 classification by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). The Wildcats, based at Burncoat High School, are open to students of any gender from any WPS high school and do not require rugby experience.
Originally established as a club sport in 2021 with support from WPS, the Worcester Sports Foundation, and private donors, the Wildcats are preparing for their first varsity season in the spring. “It’s wonderful to continue to grow our athletic program to better meet the needs of all student athletes,” said WPS Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez. “Expanding our diversity of sports options allows more youth to attain skills in physical fitness, teamwork, and wellness.”
The team also receives support through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Connecting Activities Initiative, managed by the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board. This initiative, which includes investments from MassHire, aims to blend career development skills with activities like rugby.
Weekly practices include discussions on life and career skills from the Commonwealth Corporation’s Signal Success curriculum, aligning with rugby’s core values.
WPS Athletic Director Dave Shea said, “The rugby values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect align seamlessly with our department’s focus on sportsmanship and teamwork, as well as the MIAA’s mission of building the future through educational athletics.”
Bruce R. Mendelsohn, the Wildcats’ head coach, said, “Now that we have [the MIAA’s] ‘Seal of Approval,’ we’ll focus on building the program, developing players’ skills, and fielding a championship team that reflects Worcester’s grit and tenacity,” Mendelsohn stated.
Image courtesy of Worcester Public Schools
