Raleigh Rugby Club

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Alaina Sandberg 🔥

Alaina Sandberg has spent the last 7 years building her presence on the field—playing lock, flanker, and 8 man with strength, grit, and confidence. What started with her brother picking up the game quickly turned into something that would shape who she is today.

One of her favorite memories? Playing in Ireland. Competing against different teams, learning new styles of play, and experiencing the game on a whole new level. It’s moments like that that show just how far rugby can take you.

For Alaina, rugby has been a confidence builder in every sense. It’s pushed her beyond what she thought she was capable of physically and mentally. Over the years, she’s discovered a strength within herself that she didn’t know existed, proving that she’s capable of so much more than she ever imagined.
The biggest lesson she’s taking with her? Your body and your mind are stronger than you think. You just have to trust it and keep showing up.

After graduation, Alaina is heading to UNC Wilmington, where she plans to continue playing club rugby. She’s excited for what’s ahead meeting her people, figuring out her next chapter, and continuing to explore the world.

She gives a heartfelt thank you to her mom for always showing up and helping build the confidence she carries today, along with every coach who helped her grow in the game. And a special shoutout to Nakato, her teammate since day one, for always being there through it all.

Fun fact: before rugby, Alaina spent 10 years as a dancer 💃

If she could give advice to younger players? Keep working, keep learning, and never doubt yourself. You’re more capable than you think.

💬 “You’re stronger than you think.”

❤️ Senior Spotlight 2026: Alaina Sandberg (From Kelly) ❤️

One of the most rewarding parts of watching Alaina’s rugby journey has been seeing her confidence grow both on and off the pitch. Rugby has helped shape her into someone who is determined, tough, and team-oriented, and watching that transformation has been incredible.

She took on a sport that was completely new and challenging. From the physicality to the strategy to stepping into leadership roles and never backed down. Through hard work and commitment, she exceeded every expectation and proved just how far she could go.

Some of my favorite memories go all the way back to her first season. I remember her going up in a lineout against a big, physical team, getting knocked down hard… and then popping right back up like it was nothing and chasing the ball. In that moment, I knew this sport was meant for her. And over the years, watching that “switch” flip. Seeing her find her aggressiveness and play with grit and confidence has been so special.

What makes me most proud is the way she leads. Alaina brings energy, positivity, and encouragement every time she steps on the field. She plays the game the right way unselfish, focused, and always putting her team first.

As she moves forward, I hope she carries that confidence into every part of her life. Whether it’s school, work, or wherever her path takes her. I hope she finds her people, explores the world, and continues to do what she loves.

Alaina, keep going and never stop. Come home and see me! And always remember keep living your dash.

Hold onto the memories: the late nights, road trips, hotel stays, the highs and lows. It all shaped you into who you are today. And I couldn’t be more proud. ❤️

💬 “Keep living your dash.”

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Louisa Hinds 🔥

Louisa Hinds has spent the last four years making her mark all over the field—playing 7, 8, 12, 13, and 14. What started as a simple invite from a friend at youth group quickly turned into something she loved from day one.

One of her favorite memories? Winning the state championship last year—alongside some of her best friends. The kind of moment that makes all the hard work worth it.

For Louisa, rugby has been more than just a sport. It’s been a space to reset, have fun, work hard, and build friendships that mean everything. It gave her a place outside of school where she could truly be herself—and that’s what made it so special.
If there’s one lesson she’s taking with her, it’s that teamwork is everything. You can’t do it alone, and when everyone works together, the game and the experience is so much better.

After graduation, Louisa is heading to the University of Kentucky to study psychology. While she won’t be continuing rugby, the impact it’s had on her will stay with her moving forward. She’s excited for what’s next meeting new people, trying new things, and stepping into a whole new chapter.

A big thank you to Mary and Mike for creating such a positive and fun environment, and for helping her grow in both confidence and love for the game. And a special shoutout to Lilly and Alaina for always being there—on and off the field.

Fun fact: rugby is just one way Louisa expresses herself. She also creates pottery and ceramics 🎨

If she could give advice to younger players? Have fun with it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. The more fun you have, the better you’ll play.

❤️ Senior Spotlight 2026: Louisa Hinds (From Mary Catherine & John) ❤️

One of the most rewarding parts of watching Louisa’s rugby journey has been seeing her step into something new and truly thrive in it. From the very beginning, it was clear she found something she loved, and watching her grow and get really good at it has been such a joy.

Along the way, Louisa has faced challenges that go far beyond the field. She’s learned how to navigate difficult situations and relationships, and through it all, she’s grown into a confident, self-assured young woman.

Some of our favorite memories come from watching her in the moments that mattered most. When the team needed a lift, when things got tough, Louisa was always there. Covering, supporting, stepping up. Doing whatever needed to be done. That presence, that reliability, is something we’ll always remember.

What makes us most proud are the qualities she’s built along the way. Her resilience, her work ethic, her intuition, and her compassion for others. Those are the things that will carry her far in life.

If we could go back to her very first day, we’d tell her something simple: don’t worry you’re going to be great at this.

As she moves forward, we hope she takes with her the understanding that hard work and determination truly pay off and can take you further than you ever imagined.

Louisa, we are so proud of the woman you’ve become. We love you so much and can’t wait to see you embrace all the new opportunities ahead.

And always remember you tried new things, you took chances, and you succeeded. Keep that spirit with you, and there’s no limit to what you can do. ❤️

💬 “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou

Announcing the return of Raleigh Rugby Club's annual Golf Tournament!

Secure your spot today and if interested in sponsoring a hole please reach out!

🔥 Senior Spotlight 2026: Sam Wiggins 🔥

Sam Wiggins has been a dedicated rugby player for years, developing his game through the Southern Pines Youth Rugby Program and continuing all the way through high school. This season, he joined Raleigh Rugby when Southern Pines wasn’t able to field a team—and he made an immediate impact.

Stepping into a new environment isn’t always easy, but Sam showed up ready to work. He’s been a consistent starter and a key contributor, bringing effort, toughness, and a team-first mindset every time he takes the field. He also helped strengthen the squad by bringing along a Southern Pines teammate who has contributed in a big way as well.

Sam represents what rugby is all about—commitment, adaptability, and showing up for your team no matter the circumstances.

Looking ahead, Sam plans to attend college this fall and is focused on finding the right fit both academically and on the rugby pitch. Wherever he lands, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to grow and make an impact.