The Madison area has plenty of opportunities for people to compete athletically. One such option is the Madison Minotaurs Rugby Club. 

“The Madison Minotaurs Rugby Club is a passionate and inclusive community of individuals who share a love for rugby. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and anyone interested in learning and playing the sport,’’ said Ashley Woodward-Bridgett, a member of the Minotaurs as well as a student here at Madison College.  

The home games and training during the season are at the Wisconsin Rugby Complex on Vilas Road by Bakken Park. The Minotaurs play games around the country and are also involved in tournaments including the NORAM Cup and the Bingham Cup. 

There is a spring and fall season for the team, and their spring season is in progress with the first game on April 13. The spring season’s last game is scheduled for May 18. This spring season is shorter than normal due to their trip to Rome this May to participate in the Bingham Cup.  

Woodward-Bridgett said he played rugby in England from the age of 8. He moved to Madison in 2018 and started playing for the Minotaurs in the 2021-22 season. 

Woodward-Bridgett is currently enrolled at Madison College.  

“This is the first year I have been enrolled and playing rugby. It’s hard because I can’t go to a lot of the practice sessions when I have class,” Woodward-Bridgett said. 

“Being open and honest with my coach and team helps, because they offer support and catch me up with things talked about during practice when new plays and moves are being developed.” 

The best parts of being a member of the team for Woodward-Bridgett are, “it keeps my health in a good place both physically and mentally. There are great people at the club, and it builds a good social structure.” 

“We try to have things go on throughout the year to keep people together and having fun. This last off season some of the players started playing the Irish sport of hurling to keep our fitness up. There are also all kinds of social events and community reach out and support, it is a good way to make connections,” he said.  

If you are all interested in joining, Woodward-Bridgett said to “just go for it.”  

“Check out our website and turn up at practice,” Woodward-Bridgett said. “The Minotaurs are always accepting of anyone, seasoned players all the way to someone that’s never seen a rugby ball. There is a structure in place to welcome and teach skills. If anything is holding you back, just talk to Minotaurs and there will always be someone to advise and help.”