Here’s a bold statement: Jacksonville’s only girls rugby team is not just breaking barriers—it’s changing lives. And this is the part most people miss: it’s still looking for girls aged 12 to 18 to join as it gears up for its third season. But here’s where it gets controversial: in a world dominated by traditional sports, why aren’t more girls giving rugby a try? Let’s dive in.
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In a city where opportunities for girls in rugby are scarce, the Duval Tides are making waves. Founded in 2023 with just two players, the team has grown to a roster of 20 young athletes, proving that rugby isn’t just a sport—it’s a movement. Their first practice of the season is set for January 6 at Westside Middle School, and the team is eager to welcome new members.
Melissa Butler, the team’s head coach, sees rugby as more than just a game. ‘We’re not just teaching them how to pass a ball,’ she explains. ‘We’re building self-confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. These girls are learning skills that will stay with them for life.’ Butler, a former rugby player herself, started the women’s club rugby team in Jacksonville 20 years ago and has witnessed the sport’s explosive growth, especially in college. ‘Rugby opens doors,’ she adds. ‘It gives these girls a shot at scholarships and a built-in community when they head to college.’
Take Syrianna Sidey, a 17-year-old forward, for example. She credits rugby with transforming her life off the field. ‘It’s helped me step out of my comfort zone,’ she shares. ‘I used to think of myself as meek, but rugby has shown me I’m stronger and more assertive than I ever imagined. It’s even helped me take the lead on school projects I would’ve avoided before.’
Then there’s 12-year-old Palmer Vitale, a newcomer to the team who now plays alongside her older sister, Lily. For Palmer, rugby isn’t just about the sport—it’s about connection. ‘I’ve always done karate, which is solo,’ she says. ‘But rugby has taught me how to be part of a team. I’m louder, more confident, and I love being around people now.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its benefits, rugby remains an underdog in the world of girls’ sports. Why? Some argue it’s the perception of rugby as a ‘rough’ sport, while others believe it’s a lack of awareness. Butler challenges this: ‘Rugby is for everyone, no matter your size or shape. Look at Ilona Maher—she’s not just a rugby star; she’s a role model for body positivity and fearlessness.’
Maher, who helped the U.S. win its first-ever Olympic bronze medal in women’s rugby in 2024, has become a household name. From competing on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to having her own Barbie, she’s proving that rugby players can be both tough and glamorous. ‘She’s inspiring a whole generation of girls to try something new,’ Butler adds.
The Duval Tides practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Westside Middle School, and their schedule this season includes at least five games against teams from Wellington, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, and even the Cayman Islands. ‘This team has become my home,’ says Sidey. ‘I’ve found my people here.’
Thought-provoking question: If rugby can build confidence, foster teamwork, and open doors to college opportunities, why isn’t it more popular among girls? Is it a lack of exposure, or something else entirely? Let us know what you think in the comments.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Duval Tides, reach out to Jaxgirlsrugby@gmail.com. Who knows? You might just find your home on the rugby field, too.
