Houston group bringing a rugby franchise, stadium to the city

One of the most popular sports in Houston could soon be getting a stadium all of its own if current plans come to fruition. A group representing the Houston Strikers of the upcoming Major League Ruby league is finalizing plans to develop a plot of land adjacent to the Houston Sports Park along TX-288 and south of Mowery Road for a $10 million rugby complex. less One of the most popular sports in Houston could soon be getting a stadium all of its own if current plans come to fruition. A group representing the Houston Strikers of the upcoming Major League Ruby league is ... more Photo: Houston Strikers On Facebook Photo: Houston Strikers On Facebook Image 1 of / 75 Caption Close Houston group bringing a rugby franchise, stadium to the city 1 / 75 Back to Gallery

One of the most popular sports in Houston could soon be getting a stadium all of its own if current plans come to fruition.

A group of rugby supporters are kicking around plans to build a rugby stadium in the area.

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The ownership group behind the new Major League Rugby franchise the Houston Strikers is finalizing plans to develop a plot of land adjacent to the Houston Sports Park along TX-288 and south of Mowery Road. Now they're sharing renderings of the $10 million rugby complex they're looking to construct.

The Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash both practice at the complex which is ten miles south of downtown and just northwest of Pearland.

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The Strikers would begin play in the city in 2018. The team would likely play in alternate parks as needed before their stadium is completed.

At 70 years old Jeremy Turner with the Strikers group has been a lifelong rugby fan. He's the team president, helping to shepherd this project for the past five years.

"I grew up playing at school but along the way found I was a better referee than a player," Turner says. Refereeing took him around the world with rugby.

He says the newly-formed Major League Rugby league has serious backers from the U.S. sports world.

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"It's exposing people to a different sport that is safer than football," Turner says.

Turner confirmed that the team is recruiting a head coach ahead of fielding a team for 2018 play.

The sport has been growing in popularity slowly and steadily over the past few years as amateur athletes look for alternatives to mainstream American sports. It's not exactly the easiest of sports to play as blood and injuries are the norm, but it's thrilling to watch.

Turner says that there are 30-plus rugby squads in the Houston-area, with the sport's popularity booming in the suburbs. This would be the real thing, Turner notes, and not just the kind of play found in parks.

"We are one of the biggest rugby hotspots in the country," Turner says. Houston's reputation as an international city of transplants from rugby-friendly places is a big help.

The group has started the lengthy permitting process necessary before construction can begin. The City of Houston is also on board and excited about a community outreach possibility with the neighboring areas starved for programs for kids. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding.

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The new stadium would initially have room enough in bleachers for up to 5,000 fans, with plans for expansion to accommodate much more than that.

The Strikers are one of ten organizations around the country signed on to the Major League Rugby group. There are teams in Dallas and in Austin as well. Two more cities in other states are about to sign on, according to Turner.

Check out this 2014 HoustonChronicle.com story about Houston's rugby fans and their uphill battle in the Bayou City.