Women's+ Team
Working For the Next Generation
Howard Women's+ Rugby is focused on the growth and development of rugby into inclusive spaces for women, and especially BIPOC women. We expect our athletes to be committed to actions both on and off the pitch that build a sustainable rugby program at Howard University in Washington D.C.
Notable Highlights
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#2 in the Nation, USA Rugby CRAA Spring 2023 DII
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#1 East Champions, USA Rugby CRAA Spring 2023 DII
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Undefeated Fall 2022 (9-0) outscoring opponents 211 - 30
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Captain & Founder Takunda Rusike awarded U.S. WRF 2021 "15 Under 30"
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Featured in the U.S. Women's Rugby Museum
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Secret deodorant commercial featured on HBCUGo
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Partnerships with holistic care providers in neuroperformance therapy and yoga for recovery
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The first HBCU women's team in a competitive college conference
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Focus of the HBCU Rugby Section of the book This is Rugby: The Story, Culture, and Future of American Rugby by Adam Hughes
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Founder and Captain Takunda Rusike featured on the Greaux Rugby Show (Ep. 68)
Photo by Neema Thomas
Photo by Neema Thomas
Our Founder
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Founder Takunda Rusike (she/her) is a nursing major of the Class of 2024. Rusike, along with the men's captain, is a co-founder of the Herd Rugby Team at Howard University. She grew up in the Greater Baltimore area playing rugby for West Carroll Marauders Rugby Club. Rusike played for the inaugural Old Glory U19 Select Side. In 2021, she was honored with the U.S. Women's Rugby Foundation 15 Under 30 Award.
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As a co-founder of Herd Rugby, Rusike hopes that the program not only allows for female students to play rugby, but that it provides an inclusive space for future generations of Black female athletes to play rugby at Howard.
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While Rusike is incredibly passionate about rugby, she is a well-rounded student athlete. Outside of rugby, she spends time studying, conducting research, stand-up paddleboarding, and overall staying active. Before rugby she was a multi-sport athlete in swimming, basketball, lacrosse, track, field hockey, and other sports.
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2026 - 2027 Roster
Upcoming
