Born as a passion project of half-brothers and co-founders Baylor Abbott and James Kennedy, Hellbender Rugby Football Club was founded in the summer of 2024. With the area lacking any rugby teams, this founding was seen as a necessity for the High Country. Although still being in our humble beginnings, Hellbender Rugby Club has grown beyond any initial expectations. Hellbender RFC seeks to both provide and increase the awareness and involvement of rugby in the community, as well as in the country as a whole. Rugby is a great asset to form friendships, community ties and belonging, as well as a physical outlet. In a time so soon after Hurricane Helene, we see this as a necessary commodity.  With roots planted in touch rugby, the Hellbender community has grown to include over one hundred members, with plans now to begin a contact season in 2025.  Hellbender RFC was granted the status of non-profit organization by the state of North Carolina in September of 2024.