UWM Panther Rugby: Fall 2025 Season Spectator Guide

Rugby is fast, physical, and thrilling—and the UW–Milwaukee Panther Rugby Club is bringing that energy back to the pitch this fall. Whether you’re a first-time fan or a long-time supporter, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a Panther rugby match and follow along with their Fall 2025 15’s schedule.

Where the Panthers Play

Most home matches take place at the Gun Club Rugby Field. It’s a laid-back venue with a strong community vibe—expect folding chairs, tailgates, and fans lined up along the sideline. Bring a blanket or camping chair, sunglasses, and maybe a cooler, and you’ll be set.

Fall 2025 Schedule Highlights

Here’s when you can catch the Panthers in action:

• Sept. 11 – Scrimmage vs. MSOE (away)

• Sept. 20, 11:00 AM – vs. UW–Eau Claire (Gun Club)

• Sept. 27, 3:00 PM – vs. UW–Stout (Gun Club)

• Oct. 4, 1:00 PM – at Illinois State

• Oct. 11, 11:00 AM – vs. Marquette University (Gun Club)

• Oct. 18, 11:00 AM – vs. UW–Whitewater (Gun Club)

Home matches are free to attend, family-friendly, and a great way to spend a fall Saturday.

Rivalries to Watch

Keep an eye on the Marquette University match (Oct. 11)—the crosstown clash always brings out extra intensity. Local bragging rights are on the line, and the stands are usually packed with students and alumni from both schools. The UW–Whitewater game (Oct. 18) should also be a tough test, with Whitewater’s program traditionally one of the stronger rugby squads in the region.

Tips for First-Time Fans

• Scoring is simple: 5 points for a try, 2 for a conversion kick, 3 for penalty or drop kicks.

• Watch the ball movement: passes must always go backward or sideways, never forward.

• Appreciate the scrums and rucks: these are the collisions that reset or continue play, showing off rugby’s mix of strategy and toughness.

• Cheer often, yell loud: rugby culture is welcoming—new fans are always encouraged to join in.

Why You’ll Love It

Rugby is often described as a mix of football, soccer, and endurance running, but with its own unique rhythm. Each team fields 15 players in the “15’s” format, and the goal is to move the ball down the field and score tries (similar to touchdowns, worth 5 points). Teams can also add points with conversions (kicks after a try), penalty kicks, and drop goals. Unlike football, the action doesn’t stop for downs—the game flows almost continuously, making it an exciting spectator sport.

There’s a unique camaraderie in college rugby. The players compete hard on the field, but after the final whistle, it’s common for both teams to gather for a “third half” social. That sense of community carries into the stands too—you’ll find alumni, students, families, and curious newcomers all mixing together to cheer on the Panthers.

So grab some friends, head out to the Gun Club this fall, and experience one of Milwaukee’s most underrated sports traditions. The pace is relentless, the hits are real, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. Panther rugby is ready for you—are you ready for Panther rugby?