About the Halfmoons

The New Orleans Women’s Rugby Club has fielded a team since 1978, and began hosting its celebrated Mardi Gras Tournament in 1980. The team has enjoyed its share of success over the years:

• Numerous Halfmoons players have played with the national team
• The team took third place in the 1994 national tournament
The Halfmoons have competed at tournaments in Australia, England, New Zealand, and Fiji

We have been in “rebuilding mode” since Hurricane Katrina battered our city and scattered many of our players. But the club remains active, and we are always seeking new players. If you are interested in playing with the Halfmoons, contact one of our team representatives (see the “Be a Halfmoon” sidebar).

Although we are rebuilding, we are always interested in playing matches. If your club is interested in scheduling a match with the Halfmoons, please contact Match Secretary Karen Dicke ( kdicke@halfmoonsrugby.org) or Club President Jenae Guinn ( jguinn@halfmoonsrugby.org).

Throw Me Something, Rugger!

Save the Date for the 2009 Mardi Gras Tournament!

The New Orleans Women's Rugby Club plans to host its 30th Annual “Throw Me Something, Rugger!” Mardi Gras Tournament in 2009 on February 21-22, 2009. We plan to have club and collegiate divisions and a parade party Saturday night. Check back for updated information.

Come early to lend a hand

Many people in New Orleans are still struggling to rebuild their homes two years after Katrina. In 2009, The Halfmoons and the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation will once again be sponsoring The New Orleans Rugby Recovery Effort, an opportunity to spend two days working side by side with other volunteers to help clean up and rebuild homes in the New Orleans area. We will be organizing volunteers for the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity and will assist on one or more of their ongoing projects.

This will be the third year of The New Orleans Rugby Recovery Effort. The U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation web site has follow-up stories for the 2007 and 2008 events.