Our Story — The Gainesville Spartans Rugby Club

The Gainesville Spartans Rugby Club was founded in 2017 by Travis Bonning, Dee Brown, and Bradley Fleming with one clear mission — to grow the game of rugby across Northeast Georgia and build a strong, welcoming community around it.

Bradley, a former member of the original Spartans Rugby Club in Birmingham, England, dreamed of bringing a piece of his home club to American soil after moving overseas. With the blessing of the Birmingham Spartans, Gainesville proudly carries the Spartans name and sword logo — a symbol of tradition, resilience, and brotherhood.

Since joining the Georgia Rugby Union, Gainesville’s men’s side quickly established itself as a competitive and determined force:

• 2018–19: 2nd Place

• 2019–20: 2nd Place

• 2020–21: Season Cancelled (COVID)

• 2021–22: GRU Champions

• 2022–23: 2nd Place

But the Spartans’ journey has always been about growth — on and off the field.

In the 2023–24 season, the club expanded its vision by launching recruitment for its first women’s team, welcoming new athletes into the sport and strengthening the club’s foundation. That same year, several veteran players earned selection to the Georgia Barbarians Select Side, showcasing the talent developed within the program.

Continuing to build for the future, the club appointed its first Director of Youth Rugby in 2024–25 — a major step toward developing multiple youth teams and inspiring the next generation of players.

Today, the Gainesville Spartans are proud to be a diverse and passionate rugby family, bringing together players from Argentina, England, France, Ireland, Poland, South Africa, Venezuela, and beyond — all united by a love for the game.

Whether you’ve played rugby for years or have never picked up a ball, you’ll find a welcoming community here built on camaraderie, competition, and culture.

👉 If you’re ready to try something new or become part of a growing rugby family in Gainesville, there’s a place for you with the Spartans.