So, your son or daughter has decided to play Rugby? DON'T PANIC!

Rugby is a wonderful game, with a rich tradition in Tennessee and around the world. It is the contact game of choice for countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Scotland and Wales. Throughout the world people play Rugby from grade school through adulthood. In fact, Rugby is truly a "Life Sport" because, unlike American-Football, players continue to participate in the Rugby game long after they leave school. Players continue playing competitive rugby for years and years by joining a university or local club. Senior Clubs even have "Old Boys" teams composed of players over 35 years of age

Some Rugby players you may have heard of: President George W. Bush played at Yale; President Bill Clinton played at Oxford; Pope John Paul played for Poland; Ted Kennedy played at Harvard; Boris Karloff founded the Southern California RFU; Jim Baker played at Princeton; actors David Niven and Richard Harris played Rugby both on and off the screen; Bud Adams, owner of the Tennessee Titans, and many other successful people played rugby.

Rugby is definitely a "contact" sport, but it is not a brutal sport. In fact, it is much less violent than American Football. There are several very good reasons for this including the fact that contact, while vigorous, is much less dangerous than in American football since neither blocking nor rigid protective equipment is allowed in Rugby. This means players are not getting 'blind-sided' by the unexpected blocker or striking each other with 'armored' shoulders and helmets. Also, dirty or dangerous play is not tolerated, and the offending player may be ordered off the field or suspended. Rugby places as much importance on sportsmanship as on winning. Here are some other reasons rugby compares favorably with football:

1) Possession: Rugby is a game of possession, not yardage. Therefore coaching emphasizes passing the ball before being tackled as well as other skills aimed at keeping the ball in your teams' possession, and not struggling ahead, trying to gain a few more yards while the opponents' entire team tries to drag you down.

2) No Blocking: Most think a lack of blocking makes the game more dangerous, but the fact is it makes rugby safer because defenders are not being blind-sided by a big lineman hoping to open a hole in the defense (and in the defender!). In football, space is created for a runner by brute force (blocking). In rugby, passing the ball and using misdirection creates space. In Rugby, nearly all collisions between players are anticipated by both, and therefore, both are better prepared.

3) Tackling: Tacklers must wrap their arms when tackling. No 'rolling body block' type tackles aimed at an opponent's knees are allowed. Also, NO tackling is allowed above the shoulders. This not only makes for safer play but for sure tackling. Coaches teach not only how to tackle but how to be tackled under control so that your team keeps possession of the ball.

Before participation in games or contact, players must complete the Tennessee High School Rugby Player participation form and the USA Rugby Club & Individual Participation Program (CIPP) form. Dues of $45 will be collected from each player to cover field rental (lights), post-match socials, first aid kit, practice equipment and other miscellaneous expenses. The following costs are NOT covered by dues, and must be paid by each player in order to participate:

$20       Practice jersey

$20       Match shorts

$5         Match socks

$10       USA Rugby CIPP Registration                           

$5         Two mouthpieces

 

$ ?        All-purpose cleats or rugby boots (football or soccer cleats will do for most players)

 

For more information the following web sites can provide you with additional information:

Tennessee High School Rugby http://www.thsrugby.com/ for a complete schedule and general information.

MidSouth Rugby Union   http://www.midsouthrugby.com/ for information on other teams in this area

USA Rugby       http://www.usarugby.org/ for information on USA Rugby.

 

Practices are currently held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Ezell Park from 6pm to 8pm.

 

We encourage parent participation and involvement in all aspects of team and player development.  An aspect that separates rugby from other sports is the post-game social where both teams unite to form a spirit of camaraderie among the players.  After the final whistle, the aggression and competition are over. Rugby demands good sportsmanship which includes spending time with the opposition after the match. During the social each team shall recognize the “Man of the Match” for each team.  Also, we are forming a parent-sponsored booster club to organize the social sponsored by the home team as well as help the club with fund-raising projects to offset general expenses.

If you have any questions, please contact Don Thielke at Father Ryan High School at 383-4200. 

The Rugby community is a unique group of successful individuals who dare to try something different -- a legendary game that mixes strength, speed and agility, a team sport that will forever welcome athletes of any and every size and shape. Successful rugby does require fitness, but first and foremost it requires that special person who's ready, willing and able to give it a go.

Sincerely,

 Don Thielke, Advisor and Treasurer

Pat McRedmond, Coach

Paul Mammarelli, Coach

Dr. Pat Sells, Coach