GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Barbarians Rugby Club started its sixth year as a program with another short season from January 11, 2020 to February 22, 2020. With seven teams in total, ranging from elementary school, middle school, and high school, the club saw another successful year on the pitch. Numbers have gradually increased since its inception, and players from all over the area make up the Barbarians teams. Home matches are played at the Butte County Fairgrounds, with most matches taking place in cities like Chico, Elk Grove, and the surrounding Sacramento area.

When Jason Soares and Norm Lessard teamed up to get the program started, they were looking for something the community kids could play after the football season. Since football and rugby have similarities, starting a rugby program seemed like a great idea. With the help of many local organizations in Gridley, like the City of Gridley Parks and Recreation Department, Gridley Unified, and Focus, the Barbarians Rugby Club got started. 

This year, the Under 10 year olds team had 28 players mixed of boys and girls, coached by Matt Jones. The Under 12 year olds team had 29 players mixed of boys and girls, coached by Don Frasier and Eric Preston. The Middle School team had 19 players. 

The high school aged players’ season is just now ramping up. The Lady Barbarians have 19 players on the team, coached by Rau Ratana and Jeff Fox. The boys have a junior varsity team made up of 28 players, and a varsity team made up of 24 players. The two teams are coached by Jonah Lessard, Norm Lessard, Elias Fapoula, and Thomas Jennings