In 2003, following a 38-year tradition of men's rugby in Boulder, rugby veterans Iseult Young and Anna Smith decided that it was time to bring women's rugby to the area. Iseult, a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and Anna, a CU-Boulder alumna, began a grassroots recruiting effort, finding experienced rugby players among recent graduates from the University of Colorado at Boulder's women's rugby team and true rookies everywhere from local establishments to social events. In May of 2003, the Boulder Babes Women's Rugby Club began playing as an independent organization participating in tournaments and matches with local women's teams. In September of 2003, the Babes were officially incorporated into the Boulder Rugby Athletic Club (BRAC).

By November of 2003, Babes membership had more than doubled from its May numbers, and the Babes were well on their way to becoming an official, recognized, legitimate team. Late 2003 saw the Babes gain official membership in the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union (ERRFU) and the Western Territorial Union of USA Rugby, and by spring of 2004, the Babes were competing nearly every weekend of the season against local and regional teams and in tournaments nationwide. The Babes' incorporation into the Boulder Rugby Athletic Club also hit a milestone in November of 2004, when a Babe was awarded BRAC's Club Member of the Year award.

The Babes continued to recruit, play, and improve over the next few years, continually boasting select-side players for both the West's senior and U23 teams. In late 2006, the Western Territorial Union decided to implement a Division I structure for women's rugby similar to the structure of the men's teams in the West. The Babes were originally not included among the invitations to join Division I, and the West had no plans to implement a Division II. Unwilling to acquiesce to exclusion in the Division, the Babes lobbied hard gain admission to the Division I structure, and were granted admission in late 2006. Currently, the Babes play in the West Division I, which includes, in addition to the Babes, Denver's Black Ice, the Glendale Raptors, the Austin Valkyries, the St. Louis Sabres, and the Kansas City Jazz.

In spring of 2007, the Babes developed a new tens tournament from the ground up. The Roughstock tournament is held in May, and in its two short years has hosted teams from as far away as Houston and Salt Lake City.

Off the pitch, the Babes maintain an excellent social atmosphere and encourage a spirit of camaraderie for all players and supporters, including rookies, vets, and retirees. New players are always welcome and will be coached and supported both on the pitch and off. The Babes continue to compete and improve, and to live for an environment of excellence in competition and dedication in friendship.

[Visit the Roughstock website]