INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Shouts and cheers filled the air at a north side park Friday as players gathered for traditional pick-up rugby games.

Organizers said Indianapolis rugby clubs have held Boxing Day matches for about the last 20 years. This year is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that Indianapolis’ women’s rugby clubs, the Circle City Tempests and the Indianapolis Hoydens, have been able to gather enough players for their own matches.

“We’re just kind of here to celebrate the return of the women’s game and just kind of continue to build up the sport for women,” Tempests coach Masie Duncan said.

According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Boxing Day, the day af...