עברית Tel Aviv Women's Rugby Club was established in October of 2000 by Irit Aharonson. Irit, a native Israeli, learned how to play rugby while spending time in the United States. After falling in love with the game, she was determined to start a women's team in Tel Aviv. Upon returning to Israel, she met a passionate Frenchman named Loly Tsikuris, an ex-rugby player who was coaching the Tel Aviv men's youth team at the time. Loly volunteered to coach the team, and Tel Aviv University offered to sponsor the team. Irit and Loly recruited 6 more players for the 1st practice. Most of the women had never touched a rugby ball in their lives. One exception was Tracie Goldberg, a medical student and rugby player from the U.S., who was instrumental in helping to build the team. Gradually more and more women joined the club, and 3 months later the 1st game took place against Jerusalem, the 1st and only other women's team in Israel. Despite Tel Aviv's lack of experience, the team came out victorious, proving to themselves that they possessed the dedication needed to succeed. Because of the lack of teams in Israel, Irit suggested that the players travel to Belgium in May of 2001 to play in an international tournament. Loly put his heart into training the team for the next 5 months to prepare them. On the day they left for Belgium, tragedy struck when news of Loly's sudden death reached the team. The team was devastated by the loss, but to this day they have not forgotten all that Loly gave them. For this reason, this website has been dedicated to Loly. Since then, the club has come a long way. The team is constantly growing and presently boasts a squad of 30 players, ranging from ages 15 to 36. The women represent various occupations and come from many different parts of the country. The team has participated in international competitions not only in Belgium but also in Ireland, Holland, and Israel. Along the way, they have been privileged to learn from experienced players and coaches from all over the world. Dan Schwartz, an American medical student, volunteered his time during his studies in Israel to help out the team after Loly's death. Mike Newton, a Kiwi-born rugby player who had been living in Israel for 10 years, took the team to a new level during an 8 month training period with the women. After Mike returned to New Zealand, the players learned from Argentinean Daniel Cohen Saban, the former coach of the Jerusalem women prior to their dissolution. Presently, American medical student Micah Lissy is coaching the team. The club's present goals include recruiting more players, gaining experience, and developing women's rugby in Israel. back to top