Missoula Women’s Rugby Team Celebrates 50 Years of History

2026 marks a historic milestone for one of Missoula’s most unique and long-standing sports teams. 

A 50-Year Legacy of Women’s Rugby in Missoula

The Missoula Women’s Rugby Club – the Betterside is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of women’s rugby in Western Montana. For a sport that requires toughness, dedication, and a strong sense of community, lasting half a century is an incredible achievement. The Betterside is the oldest continuous women’s rugby team in Montana, and possibly the U.S. 

The team was founded in 1976, during a time when opportunities for women in contact sports were still growing. Since then, the Betterside has built a tradition that continues to thrive in Missoula today. 

How the Betterside Built a Lasting Community

Over the years, the team has welcomed players of all backgrounds—from experienced athletes to people who had never touched a rugby ball before. That welcoming culture has helped sustain the club for generations, with many players saying friendships and community are just as important as the competition. 

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The anniversary celebration comes during another big milestone year for one of Missoula’s most well-known sporting events. 

The Maggot Fest Rugby Tournament will also celebrate its 50th year in 2026. Every spring, the tournament draws rugby teams from across the United States and around the world to Missoula, for a weekend of competition and camaraderie.

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The event, hosted by the Missoula Maggots Rugby Football Club, has grown into one of the largest and most beloved rugby festivals in the country. 

This year’s tournament, May 16-17, will once again bring hundreds of players and fans to the city, turning Missoula into a hub for international rugby. 

Finding a Home in Rugby

Players from the Betterside say the team’s longevity comes down to its strong sense of community. Over five decades, the club has seen generations of players come and go, but the spirit of the team has remained the same. I had the honor of speaking with Stacey Hargesheimer about her experience with the Betterside.  

Hargesheimer started playing around 1990, after seeing flyers around the University of Montana Campus. She was already athletic—skiing and playing softball but it wasn’t until she went to a rugby practice that she “found her people.” 

Hargesheimer played for the team as they traveled across the Northwest and Canada to compete. She also played with them when they competed at one of the first Women’s Rugby National competitions in Washington, D.C. According to her, they “lost miserably,” but it didn’t matter. It’s the experience and memories that matter.  

The thing about playing rugby and traveling to play is that other teams in different cities host the team. So, even though you compete on the field (the pitch), afterward you socialize with the other team. There is a camaraderie there that’s special and can last for decades.  

As the Better Side celebrates 50 years, the milestone isn’t just about the past. It’s also about the future of women’s rugby in Missoula and continuing a legacy that has already lasted half a century. They are always looking for new players who are willing to be a part of something special. 

Looking Ahead to the Next 50 Years

With the team competing once again at Maggot Fest this spring, the 2026 season will serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the incredible staying power of Missoula’s women’s rugby community.