SAN DIEGO ARMADA RUGBY CLUB
DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL, INCLUSIVE
The San Diego Armada is a gay and inclusive rugby union team. We welcome all players and supporters regardless of skill level, orientation, gender identity, religion, or national origin. We are a non-profit 501(c)3
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
The Armada is committed to providing each player with the training and support they need to develop the physical fitness and skills needed to safely and successfully play rugby. Twice weekly practices, drills, team runs, and streaming rugby matches are a part of our regiment. We're boosting our volunteer coaching staff to focus on key position training through the coming season.
SOCIAL
An important part of rugby takes place off the pitch. The Armada offers an opportunity to expand your social network among people who share your passion for the sport of rugby.
After each match, we join the opposing team at a post-game party to celebrate our love of the sport. We get together socially and for special fundraising events.
This is our chosen family, a place where anyone can fit in. For gay, bisexual and questioning young adults especially, we provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where you most definitely belong.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
To show our gratitude for the years of support we have received from the San Diego community, the Armada gives back to make San Diego a safer, healthier, more inclusive community. We boldly stand for equality and inclusivity - on and off the pitch.
THE BINGHAM CUP
On September 11th, 2001, Mark Bingham gave his life on flight 93 to protect others. The San Francisco Fog created the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament to honor his memory. The Bingham Cup is now the largest rugby tournament in the world and the largest amateur sports gathering in the world.
In 2016 the Armada attended the tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by the Nashville Grizzlies. It was our first time bringing a full team to Bingham Cup. Throughout the tournament we dominated the competition, scoring 116 points and giving up only 29. Our record was 5-1 with a single loss coming to the Chicago Dragons. The Armada took third place in our division and brought home the Hoagland Plate.
In 2018 we travelled to Amsterdam, Netherlands to compete for the Bingham Cup. Because of our heavy score differential in 2016 and growing team presence we were placed in the top tier of competition. Again, we finished 5-1. Our sole loss came to the Kings Cross Steelers, the world’s first gay rugby team. Every game we played was extremely competitive and all had very narrow margins of victory. We brought home the Bingham Plate, taking third place in the world.
MISS RUCK N TUCK
THE ARMADAS ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
We take 4-6 rugby players and put them through a vigorous “drag training camp” coached by some of San Diego’s most beloved and talented Drag Queens. The contestants who dare to trade their cleats in for heels will compete for the crown and honor of being named Miss Ruck n Tuck.
Now in its 7th year, Ruck n Tuck has become the most well attended LGBTQ+ inclusive sports related fundraising event of the year! Community members from all walks of life converge on Rich’s nightclub in Hillcrest for an evening of love, laughter and divine entertainment. Ruck n Tuck is the Armada’s biggest fundraising event and helps us compete in the
bi-annual, world-renowned Bingham Cup tournament.
Attendance and sponsorship have increased dramatically each year and this year promises to be sold-out with hundreds of supporters in attendance. We hope to see you there!
THROUGH THE YEARS
HISTORY
COMING SOON
JERSEYS
MISS RUCK N TUCK