Founded in 1973, the Albuquerque Aardvarks Rugby Football Club has been a pillar of New Mexico's rugby community for over five decades. Known for our tenacity on the field and our camaraderie off it, we’ve helped grow the sport of rugby union throughout the Southwest United States.
Our mission is simple but powerful: to promote the sport of rugby while fostering teamwork, discipline, and respect both on and off the pitch. We welcome athletes of all backgrounds and skill levels who want to challenge themselves and contribute to something bigger.
Since our founding in 1973, the Aardvarks have built a long-standing tradition of excellence and community involvement. From grassroots rugby outreach programs to hosting regional tournaments, the Aardvarks are deeply invested in rugby development in New Mexico.
As one of the longest-running men’s rugby clubs in New Mexico, we take pride in our rich history, competitive edge, and community-driven spirit. Whether you're a seasoned player or a new fan, there's a place for you with the Albuquerque Aardvarks RFC.
At Albuquerque Aardvarks Rugby Club, the safety and well-being of every player, coach, referee, and supporter is our top priority. We are fully committed to upholding the standards of the USA Rugby SafeSport Program and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Any player, coach, or volunteer who has not completed required SafeSport training and background checks will not be allowed to participate in practices, matches, or team events. This is enforced without exception. No certification, no participation.
For help or questions, please contact our club leadership or email: mailto:aardvarks@aardvarks-varx.com
Ready to unleash your inner beast? No experience needed — just bring your passion and hustle. Training’s every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM at Johnson Field. Come hit the pitch with the Albuquerque Aardvarks and level up your game!
Whether you’re a rookie or a rugby pro, there’s a spot for you here. Let’s tackle, score, and make memories together.
We're proud to team up with these incredible businesses that fuel our passion for rugby and strengthen our community. Their support makes every game possible!
We've built a strong and growing online community of local rugby fans, athletes, and supporters. Our team’s presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) gives our sponsors visibility that goes beyond the field.
Sponsoring us means your brand appears not only on jerseys and banners, but also on social feeds that reach our dedicated and growing audience. Let's grow together.
The Albuquerque Aardvarks Rugby Club is a proud and active member of the Southwest Rugby Union (SWRU), the official governing body for senior club rugby across Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, Las Vegas and surrounding regions.
SWRU operates under the national framework of USA Rugby, and provides structure, competition, and governance for men’s and women’s clubs across the Southwest. Our membership with SWRU ensures that we participate in sanctioned matches, follow consistent competition standards, and uphold the core values of the game.
Through this affiliation, the Aardvarks stay connected to the wider rugby community, gain access to competitive opportunities, and continue to grow the game across New Mexico and the greater Southwest region.
Learn more at: southwestrugbyunion.org
If you want to play with the Albuquerque Aardvarks, you must be fully registered with USA Rugby through the Club and Individual Participation Program (CIPP). No CIPP = No training, no matches, no exceptions.
Reminder: This registration covers you for the full season and is required before participating in any team activity.
If you're only joining for specific games or tournaments, you still need a valid CIPP registration. USA Rugby does not allow any exceptions.
No partial registration. No guest play. Full CIPP or you're not on the field.
If you need help, reach out to the club at aardvarks@aardvarks-varx.com. But don’t expect to play if you’re not registered.
The Aardvarks have made waves in Aguascalientes, a city known for its welcoming vibe and high-altitude fields perfect for rugby conditioning. Down in Cancún, the squad turned up the heat at the Cancún 7s Tournament — a fusion of beachside play, fierce competition, and unforgettable nightlife. These moments capture the spirit of the team's Mexican tour.
The Albuquerque Aardvarks are proud to celebrate a groundbreaking partnership with the New Mexico Department of Tourism and the Government of Mexico, highlighting a shared commitment to cultural exchange and international sports development.
It was an honor to meet with the National Head of the Economy of Inclusion under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. We also met with Deputy Salma Luévano and her associates to discuss the future of Rugby in North America and international opportunities.
We were joined by Jose Peña from the Mexico national team (and a former Aardvark), as well as Raziel, organizer of the Aguascalientes 10s tournament, reinforcing our shared passion for the game.
The Aardvarks were honored to deliver an official letter from the New Mexico Department of Tourism in support of our ongoing cultural exchange with Aguascalientes, Mexico—a powerful symbol of cross-border unity through sport.
This partnership stands as a testament to the unifying power of sport, culture, and diplomacy. We look forward to many more milestones together.
Stay sharp and ready for game day! Here's our weekly practice schedule and a checklist of what to bring to every session.
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | UNM Johnson Open Fields |
| Thursdays | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | UNM Johnson Open Fields |
We use the Spond app to manage attendance for practices and games. Please install the app and create a free account to stay in the loop and confirm your availability.
Our main competitive season is the 15s league, which runs from January to May. This is our primary season where we play full 15-player matches in structured league play. Occasionally, we may begin early with a few games in October to get a head start.
After the spring season, we switch gears into Summer 7s tournaments during June and July. These tournaments feature fast-paced 7-player games and offer a fun, high-energy way to stay active, compete, and build team chemistry during the off-season.
Whether you're new to rugby or a returning player, there’s always an opportunity to get on the pitch with the Aardvarks.
All referees for official league matches and tournaments must be booked through RefUp.io.
If you experience issues booking a referee, please contact southwest Rugby Referee Society RefUp.io or reach out to RefUp.io support.
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us anytime!
