While everyone is back to school and complaining about going back to class, there are a few people who are more excited than ever. Back to school means back to rugby and all of the RWU Rugby team can't wait to get back on the pitch.
Now why should you attend a game?
Well first off, why not?
In all seriousness, Rogers Men and Women's rugby teams are two of the most successful sports teams at Roger Williams. While we may not be a varsity sport (because were too badass) we still play at the same level of intensity, if not higher.
Reason 1: We're Awesome
Both the Men's and Women's teams are reigning Beast of the East champions. The Beast of the East tournament is the worlds largest collegiate rugby tournament hosted by the Providence Rugby Football Club in Portsmouth, RI.
The Women have won the past two Beast of the East Tournaments, and captured the 2014 National Title. Last season we moved up to division two and held our own, only falling to the two other top teams in the conference. The women beat Plymouth State in the final the past two years capture the Beast of the East title.
The Men have were 8-0 in conference play last season, when they also moved into division two, making their way into conference playoffs. The men's team beat Plymouth State in the Beast of the East 21-3 to grab the championship. Hopefully this year they keep up the great work.
(Poor Plymouth, always a bridesmaid never a bride).
Reason 2: It's intense
Honestly, most of you have probably heard of Rugby but have no idea what it entails, or even looks like. Most say it's pretty similar to football, however, we like to keep our game going rather than take a break every time we get tackled.
So heres the breakdown, it's 15 v. 15.
WHAT.
That's so many people on the field.
Yup. That's why it's much more interesting. Heres some of the only things you need to know as a spectator. When a player runs into the end zone and touches the ball down it is called a Try. A Try is worth 5 points. Then the kicker will have to kick in line with where the Try was scored. They may be however close or far they wish. So if you touch the ball down in the corner, the kicker is kicking from along the sideline.
If you get tackled the play does not stop. Your teammates will ruck over you and protect the ball, push against the other team.
If there is a penalty or the ball goes out of bounds there are two options
1. A Lineout- similar to a throw-in in soccer but we lift people in the air.
2. A scrum- 8 people on each team push against each other to get possession of the ball.
Another important thing to remember is that you can only throw backwards.
Reason 3: We've got cool names
While there are 15 players on the field at a time, we've all got fancy names for our positions.
1. Loose Head Prop
2. Hooker
3. Tight Head Prop
4. Second Row
5. Second Row
6. Flanker
7. Flanker
8. Number 8 (how original)
9. Scrumhalf
10. Flyhalf
11. Weak Side Wing
12. Inside Center
13. Outside Center
14. Strong Side Wing
15. Fullback
Reason 4: Saturdays a Rugby Day.
There is nothing more exciting than spending a Saturday afternoon at a Rugby Match. So clear your schedules because heres ours:
Men:
9/10 4pm Home v. Stonehill
9/17 1pm at Bentley
9/24 1pm Home v. Southern Conn
10/1 1pm Home v. Bryant
10/ 7-9 at UMASS Lowell
10/15 1pm Home v. Providence
10/22 1pm at Saint Michaels
10/29 2pm at Holy Cross
Women:
9/16-18 at Merrimack
9/30-10/2 at Stonehill
10/8 10am at BC
10/15 10am at Bryant
10/22 11am Home v. Providence
10/28-30 Home v. Saint Anslem
11/5 1pm Home v. Saint Michaels
ALSO:
Feel free to join us we're always accepting new players!
