The Solano-Yolo Rugby Club, also known as Solo Rugby, played their final home game on April 12. After a loss to Chico Oaks Youth Rugby on March 29, the club’s aim was to play well and continue moving forward.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Solano-Yolo Rugby Club, also known as Solo Rugby, played their final home game on April 12. After a loss to Chico Oaks Youth Rugby on March 29, the club’s aim was to play well and continue moving forward. 

On April 12, parents and competitors alike were in attendance for a hard-fought game of high school-level rugby. The Solo Falcons played Redding Rugby and Football Club, with kickoff at 1:30 p.m. According to Solano-Yolo Rugby Club President Kelley Evans, the club has more than 20 players, five coaches and a multitude of volunteer support. With the guidance of head coach Rick Flynn, the team has played a respectable season, with high and low points. 

The Solano-Yolo Rugby Club team played a competitive match against Redding Rugby and Football Club, defeating the opposition 6 to 2, on April 12.

“Rugby is a good channel for kids to learn teamwork,” said Evans. “It is a game that is built around respect. Respect for other players, respect for the referee, and respect for the coach. Games cannot be won without teamwork.”

Adherence to teamwork, inclusiveness, confidence and game knowledge are each values specified on Solo Youth Rugby’s website. This commitment to teamwork was displayed on April 12, with Solo Rugby defeating Redding, the final score being 6 to 2. The contest was a back-and-forth, with both teams’ passion and athleticism on full display. 

Parents were excited to see the skills their sons had learned in action, including Ricky Shafer, father of Number 7, Colby Shafer and Tony Martinez, father of Number 22, Levi Martinez. According to Shafer, his son is playing his first year of rugby and was looking for an opportunity outside of football or wrestling. After attending a clinic in December 2024, hosted by Solo Rugby, Colby Shafer committed to the team. Levi Martinez is also playing for the first time, because friends of his were playing.

According to Solano-Yolo Rugby Club President Kelley Evans, rugby is a game built on respect and acts as a good opportunity to learn teamwork, integrity and self-worth. The club’s primary purpose is to develop players with strong character.

“He wears my football number. I was so proud of that,” said Tony Martinez. “I am happy that he is out here being part of our community, as I was when I played.”

Solo Rugby club is a combination of three teams: the Dixon Rugby Club in 2006, Solo Rugby in 2015 and Vacaville-Davis Rugby in the early ’90s. The club’s primary purpose has not shifted since this merger: developing players with strong character regardless of wins or losses. On and off the field, players are taught to have a sense of self-worth, self-sacrifice, selflessness, pride and integrity. According to Solo Youth Rugby’s website, these values are constantly instilled in Solo players. 

For more information about the Solano-Yolo Rugby Club, visit soloyouthrugby.com or call 916-761-3467.