One of the world’s fastest growing sports got a boost from the International Olympic Committee last weekend when it was announced rugby would be considered for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, along with golf.

The Ridge Meadows Bruins Rugby Club is hoping to capitalize on the sport’s growing profile as they recruit players for their up-coming season, starting next month.

Sukhi Thind, the club’s president, is hoping to field U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-19 boys’ teams this season, as well as a men’s and women’s side.

Modern rugby dates back to 16th-century England, and is now played through-out the world. B.C. has long dominated the Canadian Rugby scene, and while there are rugby clubs in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island dating back more than 100 years, the sport does not have much of a tradition locally.

Thind hopes to change that.

“It’s the ultimate team sport and there’s a strong social aspect to it,” he says. “It’s a really tight-knit community.”

While the sport is rough and physical, it isn’t nearly as expensive as other full-contact sports which require expensive gear and equipment.

“All you need is cleats,” says Thind. And that’s drawing a lot of new players to game.

“Our membership has been steadily increasing, especially with the kids,” he says.

The season runs from September to April, with league play-offs to follow.

The Ridge Meadows Rugby Club runs a drop-in touch rugby night for adults at Telosky Field next to Thomas Haney secondary from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. It’s free to play and men and women of any skill level are welcome.

• For more information on the Ridge Meadows Rugby Club, visit bruinsrugbyclub.com