The Club Rugby teams here at the University of Wyoming are well into their season. Rugby Union, the fall session, is a sport that originated in Europe and now is gaining popularity in the United States.
“The season has started off with a lot of strong games with a lot of strong competitors.” President of the Men’s rugby team, Sutton Willis said. “But, the season is developing and making the team better.”
This version of Rugby is played with 15 players on the team, and the goal is to get a try, which is similar to a touchdown in football except it is worth 5 points instead of 6.
Players on the other team attempt to stop a try by tackling the person carrying the ball. There are also free kicks and drop kicks, which are similar to field goals in football and can be worth 2 or 3 points depending on if they take place after a try or not.
There is also a spring version of the sport that is very similar except it is played with 7 players on a side except for 15.
The men’s rugby team at UW is division 1 and as such faces some pretty strong competition, including an upcoming game against the University of Utah who is currently ranked number 11 in the nation for men’s rugby.
“It is very incredible to watch these boys compete,” the head coach of the men’s rugby team and former member, David Finnoff said.
Finnoff encourages students on campus to come out and watch some of the remaining games this season. These games include Saturday, Oct. 27, against New Mexico and Saturday, Nov 4, against Utah. Both of these games will take place at East Frat Mall
Willis and Finnoff said that anyone wanting to join the team should come to a practice, which take place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on the East Frat Mall at 4:30 p.m.
“We’d like you on the team, and we’d love you on the family,” Willis said.
Finnoff said, “You make friends that last a lifetime.”
Women’s Rugby is also mid-season, and President of the team Peyton Roth said season is going well. The Cowgirls, who are division 2, are currently 2-2 this season.
“It’s great to meet people, and be with your friends.” Roth said.
Roth is also encouraging any girls who are interested to contact her to be a member of the women’s Rugby Team here at UW.
Good luck to the University of Wyoming rugby teams with the remainder of their season. Go Pokes!
