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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

Answered by "Hurricane" Wes Farrow, UM Rugby Legend

What is rugby?
Rugby is the best sport in the world. It combines the intensity and physicality of sports like football and wrestling with the finesse and skill of sports like basketball and baseball with the endurance and flow of sports like hockey and soccer.
What's the time commitment like (will it interfere with my classes)?
Rugby is not a varsity sport, and therefore is not treated as one with practice scheduling. We practice 3 times a week, for about 2 hours each time. Practices are in the evening and designed not to interfere with anyone's school. We are college students who play rugby, not rugby players who go to college. Even members of the team with the most challenging courseloads have been able to balance it with rugby.
How much are dues and what do I get for my money?
Dues are $100 per semester. This will be the best $100 you will ever spend in your life. This pays not only for all match organization, referee fees, field fees, and equipment; it also pays for feeding the visiting team each Saturday after the matches. Don't worry, they do the same for you when we travel to play them.
Will I have to try out?
The rugby team has various levels of play at which anyone can participate. The A side is highly competitive and demands both great skill in rugby and great fitness. The B side is still highly competitive, but at a slightly lesser level. The C side is less demanding than the B side, and so on. The success of our club lies not only in winning games at all levels, but at introducing the greatest sport in the world to as many people as possible. This being the goal, anyone and everyone is welcome, encouraged, and will be able to play rugby for our club.
What if I've never played rugby before?
Then you fit right in. About 95% of our players come to college with no prior experience. Rugby is a growing sport in the US, and most people who play are not highly experienced. Its sad bud true that most people do not get a chance to experience rugby at a young age.
Is there a particular size a player should be?
There is a position on the field for every body type that exists. This may sound strange, but it is very true. On a rugby team you need the smallest guys to run around with the ball, the biggest guys to maintain possession, and everyone else fits somewhere between those two types of play.
What are practices like?
Practices are intense learning sessions. We are all students of this game, and try to learn more and improve ourselves every practice. Physical training is expected to be taken care of outside practice time. There is not enough time to run and get fit during 6 hours of practice per week. Practices are designed to cater to people of all skill levels. New guys will be taught basics, while veterans will be working to polish up their more specific skills. However, there is always an importance placed on team unity and everyone does practice with everyone regardless of skill or experience.