Atlanta Bucks Rugby Team Launches New Season
The citys inclusive rugby club is back on the pitch following a successful run of tournament appearances.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Soccer
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The Atlanta Bucks, Georgia's first inclusive gay rugby team, have officially launched their new season. This follows competitive finishes in both international and regional tournament play.
Why it matters
The club serves as an essential support system for members navigating isolation and social rejection. Beyond the field, it provides a community-focused environment through structured training and social programming.
The club secured a third-place finish at the Bingham Cup in a 16-team tier and a third-place finish in an eight-team field at the Pride Cup Scrum in the Sun.
The players
Atlanta Bucks
This organization is Georgia's first inclusive gay rugby team and serves as a vital community support system.
Manny Baza-Fainn
He is a team member who joined the club in 2023 and contributes to its competitive efforts.
The details
Under new leadership, the club focuses on team development as veterans mentor rookies through rigorous weekly drills and plays. The organization maintains a strong team culture by balancing these physical training sessions with social events like local trivia nights.
Timeline
Manny Baza-Fainn joined the team in 2023.
The team finished third at the Pride Cup in June 2026.
The new rugby season is officially underway as of October 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Atlanta Bucks performance at the Bingham Cup mirrors the global trend of inclusive sports organizations expanding their footprint. Their successful tournament results position the club as a rising contender in regional and international circuits.
Players gather for weekly practice sessions every Monday night to refine technical skills. Those interested in the team's social atmosphere can participate in community-building activities like trivia nights held at local bars.
The takeaway
The team demonstrates that sports organizations can function effectively as both competitive outlets and critical social support networks. Interested members can integrate into the club by attending Monday night training sessions.
Further reading
For more news on local sports organizations, visit the Atlanta Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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