Denver East Rugby

Denver East Boys’ Rugby (Peyton Freeman) has been an official sport since 1988, but has yet to be treated as one. With 9 state championships and having attended over 20 out-of-state tours they should be treated as school royalty, or at least with respect. 

“We are an inclusive, player-centric organisation and we measure success through our growth. We treat our entire community with respect and we approach competition as an opportunity to improve. We embrace challenges and support each other. We are honest and hold ourselves accountable. We are grateful for the time we get to spend together. We prioritize player safety 100% of the time, both during practices and games. Our goal is to develop better players and people by fostering a sense of competition and respect, on and off the field. We want to build a love of rugby, both the game and the larger community.”  East Rugby Coaching Foundations (Rugby Mission Statement).

East Rugby is a club sport which differentiates it from CHSAA-sanctioned sports such as Cross Country, Soccer, Football, Golf, etc. Collectively, since 1988, East CHSAA sports have won 20 state championships according to CHSAA Data, Denver East's Championship History. Boys’ Rugby alone accounts for 45% of that total, with championship wins dating back to 1997 and concluding in 2025.

Sports that are CHSAA-sanctioned get benefits that non-CHSAA sports do not, such as designated field space at their school or transportation to games and meets. But that doesn't hold Boys’ Rugby back. With amazing parent committees (caring for the fields, equipment, merchandising, tour planning, team booklets, website, photography, sponsorships, fund raising, end-of-season party, awards, and cheering of course), sponsors, and alumni (returning as coaches), they have been able to provide scholarships–only requiring you to come to practice–to play in season and participate in out-of-town tours for the past 25 years, most recently going to L.A. but regularly going on road trips to other rugby communities such as Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, and Kansas City. These tours are generally made up of four days consisting of two banquets, one on Friday night and one on Sunday night, six games, divided between Saturday and Sunday, and every academically eligible player–typically 60 players in the spring, divided into Varsity, J.V., and first-year students teams.

“We don't cut anybody. So, if somebody comes out and wants to play, and they come to practice, they're going to get to play,” explained Bill Baer, now Senior Director of East Rugby and prior Head Coach and General Coach of 30 years–proclaimed “heart, mind and soul of East High Rugby.” Coach Bear is also inducted into the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union Hall of Fame, has been twice selected as "Coach of the Year" by Colorado Youth Rugby, and is Vice President of Rugby Colorado.

In the 2024-2025 school year, Boys Rugby made for an astonishing season, setting new records: varsity won the 7s state championship in the spring and the Division I 15s state championship in the fall, followed by the J.V. team winning the Division III state championship–which any other team, CHSAA or not, has yet to accomplish. 

East Rugby has also produced seven high school All-Americans–a student-athlete recognized by a national organization for exceptional achievement in their sport–ranging from representing the U.S. in the U-19 World Cup to competing in New Zealand, Australia, and Maccabean Games in Israel. Sam Golla and Link Wilfley, East graduates, became professional athletes, playing in England, MLR, and for the United States Eagles. East Rugby has been recognized for and honored by the State Sportsmanship award three times, consecutively, starting in 2003. This club, evidently sets kids up for high school victory and lifelong success–empowering them to achieve their highest potential, instilling discipline, community, and respect.

Any and all are welcome, embracing all 8th-12th graders in the Denver area, Rugby is all inclusive, harboring diverse: backgrounds, abilities, extracurricular activities, other sports and undeniably other schools. So... give it a try! Keep an eye out for information pertaining to “a meeting down in the Commons lunchroom for parents and students that want to play.”

What's your favorite thing about being a part of the team? 

“You have guys from all over, all come together to play and I love how we do the best with what we have. I mean we play Valor and Regis, and they pay their coaches and all our coaches are volunteers… and we still find a way to beat them and outplay them,” and, “From your first practice, you can feel tradition.” Julian Rowse, senior, ten year player and varsity captain.

What would you say to someone who's thinking about playing rugby? 

“Oh, they should play. Everyone should play Rugby, ‘cause everyone can, it's good fun, good fitness, and gives you something to look forward to after school.” Ethan Conforti, junior, eight year competitor, and varsity player.

As Angels we need to show more love to our highly decorated Rugby teams, luckily for us we have an exciting opportunity to do so on Saturday, October 25th for the 7s season final at Regis High School. Be there or be square.

Denver East Girls’ Rugby - Claire Farrell

In a sport that's fast paced, inclusive, and no-cut, East’s women's rugby team has a place for everyone–regardless of a students’ ability. With 70 minute gameplay and only a 10 minute break, it is a high intensity sport that not only builds strength and determination but also  community. The only question that persists is why rugby is considered a club rather than a sport at East, and why players should get the same credit as those involved in an official East sport.

Founded in 2017, East women's rugby is a competitive club that requires determination and a willingness to try–no experience needed. Head Coach Mark Bullock, ex-football and rugby player, explained a little about the rugby community, “The key thing about rugby is we accept everybody; there is a position for everybody whether you're tall and lengthy or short and squatty, it doesn't matter because there's a position for you. It's a big community of people, we don't care if you've been in trouble or if you're the best person ever: we will accept you.” Although the sport welcomes inexperienced players, the strong momentum of the game makes it essential for players to train hard.  Coach Bullock spoke to this, “What matters is if you're willing to put in the work and training to develop yourself… if you're willing to step outside your comfort zone, you can explore something that's quite exciting.”

Despite rugby being a club, it still demands every essential aspect a CHSAA sport at East would require such as: stamina, teamwork, and determination–which makes one think it would be on the East athletics page, or at least be recognized at East as official sports are. Coach Bullock talked about the lack of school recognition and praise players receive contrary to those whose sports qualify as a CHSAA sport, “I don't think at East it’s well advertised, it's difficult because we need people who are excited about it and outgoing to try it. It should be part of the website because it's a club sport–that may not necessarily be sponsored by the school but–kids of East play under the name of East Highschool.” He suggested a few ways East could assist in getting more attention drawn to it, including: announcing games and information on the loudspeaker, hanging flyers, and showcasing enthusiasm from players and students about Rugby. Taking partial accountability Coach Bullock claimed, “We could definitely do a better job advertising, part of it is having people who are excited about the sport. [Girls’ Rugby] should be on the East Athletics website so people can look at the school and say, "oh hey they have rugby, maybe I should join.” Rugby representation–on the athletics website, in pep rallies or announcements of any type–could spark interest amongst angels, whether current or future, allowing them the fair chance of participating in this beloved sport.

Regardless of if you're an experienced rugby player or someone new to the sport, rugby has a spot for everyone; not only providing a fun, competitive, sport (to get in shape) but it builds a strong community of girls’. Rugby is a fall and spring sport, whether you're a freshman or a senior, you'll always be welcomed with an open spot. Though the sport is a club and not as heavily promoted as other East athletics, it still offers lifelong skills gained through tireless effort and progression.