After losing $17,000 to scammers last year, a local rugby team will run its first big tournament since the pandemic.
The Maryland Exiles Rugby Club, a nonprofit youth team based in Olney, will welcome players for a rugby “festival” from Friday to Sunday.
The team’s Cash App account was hacked in September. Having not received additional follow up or reimbursement, the team has leaned on the community, said Tom Smith, head coach for the team’s summer youth program.
“The community has been so kind and generous to us,” said Smith.
The tournament, named “Ruck N’ Roll,” will host co-ed high school and middle school teams from around the region and as far away as Canada. They’ll play in Rockville’s Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park (1800 Piccard Drive).
The team organized a series of public events on Saturday, including all-ages touch games and a party at Dave & Buster’s in Gaithersburg. All proceeds will go towards supporting youth rugby players who need financial assistance to continue in the sport, said Smith.
“We’ve been very gracious and honored that folks have, out of their heart, donated to us, “ said Smith. “Now this is our chance to kind of give back a little bit.”
RSVP for Saturday’s events by Thursday at 5 p.m. here. More information can be found on the team’s Facebook page and website.
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Photo courtesy of MD Exiles Youth Rugby
