Overview
The Bard Rugby Football Club (BRFC) has maintained a storied tradition at Bard since its founding in 1995, having fielded both 15s and 7s teams. For the past couple years, Bard has been one of the only college clubs in the US to play 7s year-round, pioneering an innovative 7s fall competition in the Tri-State Conference. Bard’s women’s and men’s teams both have the support of Bard Athletics and compete on an all-grass training and competition field at the Lorenzo Ferrari Field Complex. Both teams also have student-led club administrations, with players taking ownership of their college rugby experiences.
Practices
Bard students of all experience and ability levels are welcome to learn the sport and improve their skills in a safe, friendly environment. For Spring 2021, practices are on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays are on the Ferrari Field turf, while Monday and Thursday are on the grass of Ferrari North. Bard Rugby provides scholar-athletes a strong support system and a flexible practice schedule, challenging students without overwhelming them. We welcome players of all experience levels, and it is well known around campus that our field is open to anyone who wants to learn the sport. Bard players know it is expected that they will work hard at practice and in their academics; but the coach knows all of the players personally, including their majors. And, while some players have gone on to play at higher levels beyond collegiate rugby, all Bard players know they will forever be a part of the Bard rugby family which includes a vast national and international alumni network.
Coach
Garrett Montgomery is the head coach for men's and women's rugby at Bard, a position he has held since the Fall of 2018, having also served as the women's coach from 2015-17.
As a coach, Montgomery has added to the level of organization for both programs, setting regular practice times and helping educate and train both experienced players and newcomers. He has continued to work with the Bard rugby alumni in organizing the annual alumni game and interactions with current players.
He played collegiate rugby at Vassar College and continued his career with the Helena All Blues and Hudson Valley Rugby Club, and then began his coaching journey at Bard in 2015 when he enrolled as an MAT graduate student. He coached the Bard women’s team from 2015-17 before spending a year abroad teaching English in Spain and playing for the Madrid Barbarians. Upon returning to the U.S., he resumed coaching the women’s team and began coaching the men’s team as well. He has worked hard to achieve the goals of encouraging ongoing collaboration between the women’s and men’s teams, shifting the teams’ focus to year-round 7s, and supporting well-rounded student-athletes.Â
Montgomery is also a certified ELA teacher, who graduated from Bard’s MAT program. He coaches modified basketball in the rugby offseason and lives in Germantown with his wife and son.
Alumni
Every year, Bard rugby alumni return for the Alumni Game on Commencement/Alumni Weekend. It's a chance to play and connect. Many current players have gotten help with job leads and advice from Bard Rugby Alumni.
Questions
Questions about Rugby at Bard should be directed to Coach Garrett Montgomery:
gmontgomery@bard.edu
You can also find more information on the Bard Rugby Facebook page,
right here.
