Barbarians at the Gates!

Above, Barbarians co-ed flag football

Barbarians Youth Rugby is has announced that it has officially received 501(c)(3) non-profit status. This significant milestone marks a new chapter for the club, enabling it to expand its mission of bringing the sport of rugby to local youth while fostering personal development through the game's core values.

According to an organization press release, the newly recognized non-profit status allows the Barbarians Youth Rugby to accept tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and further invest in crucial areas such as equipment upgrades, coaching certification, facility access, and scholarship opportunities for players. This will ensure that the sport remains accessible to all families in the Wrentham community and surrounding towns.

The club emphasizes that its commitment extends beyond athletic achievement to instilling strong moral and ethical principles in every participant. The entire program is built upon the fundamental tenets of the sport, which shape every training session and match.

"Rugby is more than just a game; it is a vehicle for character development," said Stephen Signes, President of Barbarians Youth Rugby. "Our program is deeply committed to the game's core values—Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline, and Respect. These principles guide fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch, ensuring the game's unique spirit of camaraderie and mutual regard for teammates, opponents, and officials is upheld by every Barbarian."

The Barbarians Youth Rugby organization offers programs for various age groups, providing a safe, inclusive, and challenging environment for young athletes to learn and grow. The achievement of non-profit status underscores the club’s dedication to transparency and its long-term vision for community engagement and youth development.

Get Involved as a Player, Coach, Parent, or Sponsor

Barbarians Youth Rugby begins for both girls and boys at age five (Kindergarten). Up to 6th grade, the club oversees a co-ed flag program, which teaches the fundamentals of the sport.

From 7th grade to high school, players divide into girls' contact and boys' contact teams, where they master the authentic game, develop a high-level rugby IQ and strategic decision-making, like that seen in the Olympics.

Parents and coaches are integral in creating the conditions for the success that Barbarians Youth Rugby has created. Our aim is to engender a love for the sport and provide a pathway for young athletes to pursue rugby beyond high school, emphasizing both athletic excellence and academic commitment. The 2025 graduating class serves as an inspiring example for current and future Barbarian players. Click here if you would like to learn more about getting involved with Barbarians Youth Rugby.

The club invites the community to join in supporting its mission through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Barbarians Youth Rugby is a community-focused sports organization dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of rugby to youth in Wrentham and the surrounding areas. Through coaching and competition, the club aims to develop skilled athletes and responsible young citizens guided by the core values of rugby. Visit Barbarians Youth Rugby to learn more.