Ireland Rugby Cultural Exchange
About
2026 marks the inaugural cultural exchange Ireland Rugby Tour. The project is thanks to the counsel of the Ireland Consulate of Los Angeles, the support of the Irish-American Society of New Mexico (IASNM), community partners, and player participation.
While rugby is still a growing sport in New Mexico- rugby is a top tier sport in popularity throughout parts of Europe. This is true especially in Ireland.
The mission of the annual cultural exchange is to promote New Mexico's image in sports & culture, to learn more about the thriving sports community of rugby in Ireland, and to share New Mexico culture abroad.
The ABQ Rugby Club is fortunate to have a thriving online presence that reaches millions of impressions a year. This visibility allows us to grow rugby and continue to put New Mexico on the international sports map.
What's Next in 2027
Albuquerque Rugby Club is set to accept the invitation from the MU Barnhall RFC women's side for a match that will take place in Leixlip, Kildare (Dublin metro area) on Sept 4th, 2027.
The ABQ headquartered team, Aguilas Aztecas, look to travel to Ireland for MU Barnhall's annual "rugby blitz." This jamboree will feature Aguilas Aztecas v. MU Barnhall that is expected to draw an attendance of 500-1000 rugby fans. The following day will be a rugby event for mixed-ability and adaptive rugby that is similar to a special olympics event.
This will kickoff a busy September 2027 for Aguilas Aztecas:
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Sept 4th - Dublin, Ireland Rugby Match
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Sept 15th - A booth at Albuquerque's Mexican Independence Day event at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
(2026 attendance was 2000+). -
Sept 18th - A Rugby match in Albuquerque, NM with a team TBD.
Get Involved
Albuquerque Rugby Club is a non profit with the mission of providing a sport outlet for all levels of competition and all levels of ability.
Consider sponsoring to assist the team in cultural exchange events, lodging, ground transportation, team dinners, and/or for individual players who have financial limitations.
Contact:
Joel Luevano
505-506-5057
Please read on for a summary of our 2026 trip.
2026 ABQ Aardvarks Ireland Rugby & Cultural Exchange
The Albuquerque Rugby Club recently organized an international rugby and cultural exchange in Ireland, bringing the Albuquerque Aardvarks together with Irish rugby clubs and communities. The tour was organized by Joel Luevano, an Albuquerque Rugby Club executive organizer who is half Irish-Americaan and half Mexican. Joel’s mother’s family carries the Irish surname Maloney, making the opportunity to connect New Mexico and Ireland through rugby especially meaningful.
The tour was supported by the Irish-American Society of New Mexico, whose logo was proudly featured on the sleeve of the team’s special commemorative Irish-green jerseys.
On Saturday, August 8, the Aardvarks took the field against Terenure College RFC, one of Ireland’s historic rugby clubs. Terenure has several players involved with Ireland’s national teams, including Fintan Gunne and Joshua Kenny, which gave the Aardvarks an opportunity to experience the high level of Irish rugby firsthand. Fun fact:
The following Sunday, the Aardvarks participated in a flag-rugby event with MU Barnhall RFC’s mixed-ability rugby team (similar to special olympics), bringing players together in an inclusive celebration of the sport. The team was also treated to demonstrations of Gaelic football and hurling. After trying Ireland’s traditional sports, the Aardvarks decided that rugby was still their game of choice!
Following the rugby events, the team traveled to Mullingar, where they visited the family farm of Aardvarks player Daniel Moore, adding a personal family connection to the cultural experience.
The tour has already led to several invitations for the Albuquerque Rugby Club to return to Ireland next August. The club looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Irish-American Society of New Mexico and developing future cultural exchanges. The Consulate General of Ireland in Los Angeles has also offered its support and guidance as this annual exchange continues to grow.
A special thank-you goes to the members of the Irish-American Society who donated in support of the tour and will receive one of the commemorative jerseys as a gift. The special-edition jerseys are currently on their way! We are grateful for the Society’s continued support and proud to have represented New Mexico in Ireland.
Here is a link to videos from the Aardvarks v Terenure College RFC Match
