The HBCU Rugby Classic Brings Awareness and Culture to Various Communities
HBCU rugby players have the opportunity to highlight their talents at the HBCU Rugby Classic. (Picture by Gift Egbleu)
The HBCU Rugby Classic provides Black and Brown athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents and highlight historically Black colleges, universities, and other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color teams.
The annual HBCU Rugby Classic returns to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on March 26-27, 2022, after a hiatus due to COVID-19.
The athletic event features historically Black colleges and universities’ rugby programs to shine a light on a sport not represented in most communities.
The founder of the event and the hosting company Gift Egbelu of Gift Time Productions wanted to merge the love of rugby with Black culture.
“The Classic is a cultural event that’ll entertain sports fans and families of all ages,” he said. “I wanted to spotlight a community opportunity that can bring unity, empowerment, and positivity.”
The Classic will also highlight Black culture and music. In addition, the event will hold festivals and concerts throughout the weekend-long event. Egbelu said it was essential to showcase everything in the African diaspora culture.
Teams like the Dallas Youth Rugby Girls will play against other community-led rugby teams at the Classic. (Picture by Gift Egbleu)
“The Classic isn’t just an event to promote sports,” he said. “It is also an opportunity to provide insight and knowledge to Black culture. There’s more to our communities than being the strongest. There are power, knowledge, and other skills that need to shine. The HBCU Rugby Classic will provide that.”
Past musical performers were local in the Louisiana area and international. Some of the past performers were Michael Armstead, Jamal Steele, Kalesha Brown, and Alex PoeticSoul. In addition, the Classic will hold its first-ever Battle of the Bands competition among different high school bands this year. Egbelu said this aspect of the Classic would once again showcase more than just athletes.
“It is a chance to prove that Black and Brown people can do more than entertain with their physical attributes,” he said. “We have more talents to show the world.”
The teams participating in the event are Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M, Roots Rugby, Louisiana Lagniappe, Memphis Inner City Rugby, Dallas Youth Rugby, and Dallas Youth Rugby Girls. These teams will represent different levels, including adults, high school, and international.
The Classic is a part of the adult rugby teams’ international touring rugby competition that makes stops worldwide. The rugby players can provide mentorships, opportunities for other players, and entertainment for communities through the tour.
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