Atención Sports: Rugby Changes Our Lives. San Miguel Rugby Club, A Growing Legacy

By Carlos Ramírez Zago

On a city known for its art, architecture, and bohemian spirit, a quiet but determined community trains every week with a goal that goes beyond winning games: to develop people with character, discipline, and purpose. This is the San Miguel Rugby Club, also known as Los Angels de San Miguel, a team that has represented San Miguel de Allende in national tournaments since 2012, but above all has transformed lives.

"Rugby changes our lives. What you learn on the field you take to school, to home, to work. That's what we want to convey to every player who joins this club," says Jeff "Coach P" Pendergraft, head coach and one of the founders of the program.

The story began with a simple request: Iliana Hernández, then a player for the Bulldogs at the University of Celaya, dreamed of having a women's team in her city. She turned to her brother-in-law Jeff for help. "Iliana had that spark, that passion for sharing rugby. And when someone believes in something so much, you can't say no," recalls Coach P with a smile. With initial support from the Bulldogs and COMUDE San Miguel de Allende, the first practices were held on the grass field at the Municipal Sports Complex. “We had nothing, just determination. A borrowed ball, a few players, and a lot of heart.”

What started as a women's team called Las Angels quickly grew to include men and young people as well. And although they faced difficult times such as the pandemic and lack of resources, the spirit of the club remained strong. “We never stopped believing. Rugby gave us so much that giving up was never an option,” said Jeff.

The arrival of Mónica Pacheco, third generation of the Celaya Bulldogs, marked a new era for the women's team. "Mónica not only brought technique, she brought leadership. She helped us believe that we could compete with the best," said Coach P. Today, the club trains and competes in four divisions: U17, U19, men's and women's open. They have managed to reach the podium in regional and national tournaments, and several of their players have been selected to represent Guanajuato and even the country. But trophies are not their priority.

"Success is not about points, but about people. Are they growing as students, as workers, as members of their community? That is our true goal," emphasizes Coach P. That philosophy is lived out every day at the club."We are a family, and like any family, we take care of each other, push each other, and grow together," they added. However, the club faces significant challenges. "What we need most is a field exclusively for rugby. A space where we can train, host other teams, hold clinics, tournaments, and certifications,"

"Having our own place would be a dream come true and a huge boost for rugby throughout the Bajío region," said Coach P. They also point to the lack of publicity as an obstacle. "Rugby in México is still unknown. Many see it as a violent sport, when in reality it is one of the most noble, full of respect and camaraderie; we need people to see it, understand it, and fall in love with it like we do,” they confessed.

The future of the San Miguel Rugby Club is ambitious:"We want to become a National Training Center. A place where young people from all over the country can come to train, not only as athletes, but as leaders," dreams Coach P.

And while that dream is being built, in every training session, in every fall and every rise, the legacy of Los Angeles de San Miguel continues to grow. Because as they say at the club: “Rugby is not about winning, it's about who you become while playing it.” Let's support this great San Miguel team!

Carlos Ramirez Zago is a young man from San Miguel who is passionate about sports. "You are worth what your voice is worth and what you know howto do with it."