Silver Eagle Sevens Middle School Tackle Rugby is hosted at the premier private Rugby facility in the USA.

The Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex is an 8 acre grass sports facility adjacent to Bakken Park. Address: 4064 Vilas Rd Cottage Grove, WI

Silver Eagle Youth Rugby is building an energetic Spring 2026 season for middle school boys and girls who want to play full-contact tackle rugby the right way—fast, physical, and coached with safety first.

Players will learn proper contact technique, tackling fundamentals, and how to compete with control in an educational environment that prioritizes development and confidence. We play the exciting 7s format: only seven players per side, shorter games, and nonstop action. It’s easy to understand, quick to pick up, and delivers a high-energy experience that keeps every player involved.

Rugby builds more than athletes—it builds teammates. Players learn discipline, accountability, and respect for coaches, opponents, and the game. Fitness improves, confidence grows, and sportsmanship is expected on and off the field.

If your athlete wants a sport that’s fast, challenging, and team-first, this is it. Sign up today and be part of the Silver Eagle culture this spring.

More Info

Technical coaching and player development will be led by Brad Dufek—a Wisconsin native and veteran collegiate rugby coach now back in the Madison area. Coach Brad brings eight years of high-performance experience coaching Division I women’s rugby at Quinnipiac University and working with Yale University Men’s Rugby. Combined with training at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex, this program is designed to deliver a top-tier development environment for middle school athletes.

Our highest priority is safe, confident contact in full-contact tackle rugby. Training will follow the step-by-step principles of the Tackle Clinic developed by New Zealand’s world-leading youth rugby program, with an emphasis on technique, body position, decision-making, and progressive skill building.

Season timeline and structure

Program start: Mid-March (indoor contact training)

Program finish: Middle School State Championships — Saturday, May 31st (Cottage Grove at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex)

Practices: 2 days per week during April and May

Games: Weeknight matches as scheduled, plus Saturday tournaments

This is a new, Cottage Grove–based opportunity for athletes who want a fast, physical, team-first sport—taught with strong coaching, clear standards, and development-focused training. We hope your son will consider joining and helping establish the Silver Eagle standard from day one.

Questions or interest: silvereaglerugby@gmail.com

Max Zukowski: 608-692-8009

Brad Dufek: 203-506-5041

Frequently Asked Questions

Silver Eagle 7s — Parent FAQ (Spring 2026)
What program or division will Silver Eagle 7s participate in?

Silver Eagle will compete in the Wisconsin Youth Rugby Middle School Tackle League, a league that started in 2017 and includes teams from Milwaukee, Fox Valley, and the Green Bay area.
Where will practices and games take place?

Practices and home games will be held at one of the nation’s premier rugby venues: the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex in Cottage Grove.

Practices are expected to run one of two weekdays, typically between 4:00–5:30 PM, based on facility availability and team scheduling.
What will practice sessions look like?

• Practices will be highly foundational and skill-focused, especially for players new to tackle rugby. Athletes will build:

Passing off both hands

Stepping and change-of-direction off both feet

Tackling with both shoulders, using safe body position and technique

Understanding the laws of the game and the basic tactics of 7s (space, support, speed of play)

What are expected player costs?

Estimated cost is about $150 per player.
How can parents be confident their kids will be safe?

For many athletes, this will be a first full-contact rugby experience. That’s why the program is built around progressive contact development and proper coaching. Players will learn technique step-by-step—starting with controlled drills and building toward game-speed contact only when skills are ready. Safety, confidence, and correct form are the priorities.
What equipment is required?

• Players will need:

Mouthguard

Cleats

Rugby shorts

Game uniforms will be provided by the club.

How many people will be on the teams?

• Games are played 7 vs 7, but teams typically roster 10–12 players to support substitutions and keep athletes fresh.
  Depending on sign-ups, we may form separate teams for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
  What are the game and tournament formats?

Games are 14 minutes total (two halves of 7 minutes).

Tournaments typically include 3–5 games, with about one game per hour—fast, organized, and high-energy.

Why should my middle schooler play rugby?

• Rugby is one of the best sports for building complete athletes and strong teammates. It develops:

Teamwork and communication (support, spacing, trust)

Discipline and accountability (play within structure, respect the laws)

Fitness and athleticism (speed, endurance, coordination, balance)

Confidence in a sport that welcomes a wide range of body types and skill levels

Resilience and mental toughness—goal-setting, perseverance, and learning from competition

• Just as important, rugby creates a unique team culture. Players build real camaraderie, form lasting friendships, and learn respect and sportsmanship that carry well beyond the field.