By: Maria Leyva- Hernandez
USC Recreational Sports oversees roughly 50 club teams, each contributing to campus life in unique ways. Founded in 1886, Trojans Rugby is the oldest, and this season it enters a new chapter. Senior Hallie Hunt and junior Isshin Enta shared how the team is building on nearly 140 years of tradition as it steps into Division I competition.
Because Trojans Rugby is student-run, leadership and players manage much of the operation, including scheduling practices, organizing travel, planning matches, and fundraising. Players commit roughly 5 to 7 hours per week for practices and lifting sessions, plus travel time for away games. That level of investment means the program recruits for attitude and reliability first. Coaches and captains value commitment, teamwork, and coachability over prior experience. All the dedication and hard work led Trojans Rugby to move up to the CRAA Division I-AA Southwest Conference for the 2026 season. “We already face top teams, like UCLA and Cal, which shows the level we’re up against. Those games are winnable with commitment. New
players, even beginners, can potentially earn starting spots and compete at a high level quickly,” Enta said.
When asked what the wins represent beyond trophies, Hunt emphasized the cultural gains. “It became really clear that just wanting to win wasn’t enough,” she said. The title, she explained, came from “complete trust in our teammates” and from playing collectively rather than individually. For the squad, the championship is proof of progress and a boost in confidence that they hope will translate to greater campus recognition.
For those who have ever considered trying a club sport but hesitated, Trojans Rugby holds rolling tryouts, meaning students can join at any point throughout the semester rather than waiting for a single recruitment window. With an emphasis on commitment and growth over prior experience, newcomers are welcomed into a program that values effort and team culture just as much as results. Hunt also noted that the club is actively reorganizing to build a women’s rugby team after it disbanded following COVID-19, creating even more opportunities for students to get involved in the sport.
Students interested in exploring other options can find the complete list of USC Recreational Sports club teams on the Club Sports page of the USC Recreational Sports website.