Men’s Team
Beijing Devils Men
The Beijing Devils men’s team is made up of a broad spectrum of nationalities, ages, backgrounds and abilities. Although different in many ways, the team is united in a love for rugby and a cold drink after.
As of the 2023 season, we are proud to have a squad that represents more than 15 nationalities and an age range of 16-50+. We have players from a wide range of professions including teachers, consultants, business owners, entrepreneurs, diplomats, journalists and more.
Match Days
We play league and cup matches every Saturday throughout the spring and autumn seasons. Each match day is a festival of rugby with several fixtures played back to back throughout the day between different teams. We always play to win whilst ensuring we uphold rugby values and, most importantly, have fun! Naturally, after the games, it’s off to the pub to rehydrate and exaggerate our tackle counts.
Trainings
The squad trains every Tuesday evening at the International School of Beijing (ISB) on an IRB-certified 4G pitch. ISB’s facilities mean we can move inside to an indoor dome when the weather is bad and that we can train with a state-of-the-art scrum machine from Predator. Our coaching team has a combined 30 years of experience playing and coaching across the globe. Training is designed to be both fun and challenging and incorporate all skill (and fitness!) levels. For those who want it, training finishes at a nearby pub for some well-deserved food and drink. Get in touch to join our next training session.
Second Row, Back Row
Teacher @
Second Row
Fly Half, Centers
Teacher @International School of Beijing
Front Row
Teacher @Canadian International School of Beijing
Scrum Half
Teacher @
Front Row
Teacher @Canadian International School of Beijing
Full Back, Centers
Teacher @
Wing
Business Analysis @Hong Kong Jockey Club
Second Row
General Manager @Grassroots Cheese
Front Row, Back Row
Teacher @Dulwich College Beijing
Second Row
Teacher @Canadian International School of Beijing
Half Back
Journalist @
From the moment of arriving into Beijing as a young expat and for the following decade, the Devils always provided a family away from home. The club has always stood for traditional rugby values of community, inclusivity and fun! This was further demonstrated in the formation of the She Devils during that time, which brought a more holistic, family-oriented culture to the club.
One absolute highlight during my playing days with the Devils was the tours, both domestically in China and overseas. Those memories and friendships made, will be cherished for the rest of my life.
For better or for worse, the Devils was, and still is, a huge part of my life and helped shape who I am today. As they say, ‘Once a Devil, Always a Devil!’.
Josh Kernan
(Devil 2008 – 2018, Club Captain 2009-2011)
When I joined the Devil’s Rugby Club as a complete novice to team sports, I was looking to make new friends in a new city. Little did I know that I would end up meeting my husband and that our daughter would become a regular at every match.
The Devils are more than just a rugby club – they’re family. They make it hard to leave and so easy to stay. Our club motto is ‘Once a Devil, always a Devil.’ and it’s evident from the rate of returning players. From training to matches, tours to family days, we’re always up for a good time.
Our team spirit is unmatched and the banter is always flowing on and off the field. It is amazing how rugby can bring people together and create lasting friendships. Joining the Devil’s Rugby Club was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I’m proud to call myself a Devil for life.
Vicki Turnbull
(Devil 2016 – current)
I had such an amazing journey with the Devils and hand on heart I wouldn’t have stayed in Beijing as long as I did without this amazing club and more importantly the amazing people! This is far more than just a rugby club, it’s a family. I joined the club (claiming I could catch a ball and play 12… didn’t last long… back to the front row/ bench), I was inspired to get involved, started as Social Secretary, became captain (mainly so I could pick myself in any position) and finished as Chair (begged the coach/ captain to start me).
It’ was an amazing 12 years; this club has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It was a genuine honour and privilege to serve as Chairman, I truly love this club and all the people in it, from epic tours in Shanghai/ Seoul/ Guangzhou to sessions in the pub to Yanjing’s and national anthems on the back of the bus – I’ve loved it all! To anyone reading this… get in contact and get involved, I promise it will be the best thing you do in Beijing, you will have friends and memories that will last a life time.
Steve Lynch
(Devil 2011 – 2023, Club Captain 2015-2018)