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Above, Barbarians Women’s Tackle Team Shines at Polar Bear Rugby Camp*
High-Speed Rugby Action Returns to William A. Rice Recreation Complex on July 25
The town of Wrentham will take center stage for youth rugby this summer as it hosts the prestigious Bay State Games Rugby 7s tournament on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event will bring together elite athletes and rising stars at the William A. Rice Recreation Complex for a full day of fast-paced, high-intensity competition.
The selection of Wrentham as a host site underscores the region's growing reputation as a hub for the sport, largely driven by the sustained efforts of the Wrentham Barbarians Youth Rugby program. The tournament is expected to draw teams from across the Commonwealth, showcasing the "Olympic style" of the game characterized by speed, agility, and strategic precision.
A Milestone for Wrentham Rugby
For the Wrentham Barbarians, hosting the Bay State Games represents more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of the club's evolution from a local youth initiative to a community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
"Hosting the Bay State Games in Wrentham caps an exciting history of Barbarians Youth Rugby that is growing and improving every season," said Stephen Signes, President of Wrentham Barbarians Youth Rugby. "Our mission has always been to provide a pathway for young athletes to excel, and seeing our facility used for such a high-caliber event—paired with the recent success of our players at elite camps—proves that the culture of integrity, passion, and respect we have built here is truly yielding results".
Event Details
- What: Bay State Games Rugby 7s Tournament
- When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
- Where: William A. Rice Recreation Area, Wrentham, MA
- Food: Available for purchase from Aunty's Italian Food Truck throughout the day
The public is encouraged to attend and experience the excitement of Rugby 7s. Admission is open to the community, offering a prime opportunity to support local athletes and learn more about the sport that has become a staple of Wrentham’s athletic landscape.
* Ahead of the Bay State Games, the Wrentham Barbarians are already celebrating significant individual and team milestones. Six players from the Barbarians women's tackle team recently traveled to Brunswick, Maine, to attend the renowned Polar Bear Rugby Camp at Bowdoin College.
The camp, known for its rigorous training and elite coaching staff, provided the athletes with intensive skill development and strategic exposure. The Barbarians' impact was felt immediately: during the camp’s closing ceremony, two members of the Wrentham contingent were honored with Coaches Awards, recognized for their leadership, work ethic, and technical progression on the pitch.
About Barbarians Youth Rugby
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. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram; visit Barbarians Youth Rugby to learn more
