Question? What game is played with an oval ball & 15 players run hard at each other for 80 minutes, but don’t wear any pads at all?
If you answered Rugby, you would be correct. This very popular European & Australasian sport has taken hold here in Louisiana, indeed Shreveport Rugby Football Club (SRFC) is the top team in the Texas Rugby Union, Division Two. They are the only undefeated team in the TRU with an impressive record of 8 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie, as well as winning the Cowtown Rugby tournament, held at Fort Worth in October 05. The SRFC team comes from many different backgrounds from all over the region, some players traveling 2 hours just to practice. The team also includes four members from Barksdale AFB, as well as three other local military members:
A1C Michael Futch - 2 CS/SCMC – Plays on the wing
SrA Edward Kelly - 2 MUNS/MXWSMM – Plays at second row
1Lt Jon C Lee - 20 BS/DOC – currently TDY but plays at fly half
Wg Cdr Cookie Cookson – 8 AF/DOT – Coach of SRFC (a Royal Air Force Exchange Officer)
So why the name Rugby? There are many stories as to the origin of the game, but what is not in doubt is that in 1823 a pupil from Rugby School, in England, named William Webb Ellis picked up the soccer ball & gave birth to the new game called Rugby, so called after the schools name. The Rugby World Cup is named the Webb Ellis Trophy, in honor of the games founder. There have been many changes – the ball is now oval & the rules have changed significantly; Rugby is a very open game with lots of attacking opportunities, but that in turn requires steadfast defence. From those early days you can also trace the origins of American Football. For example, why is a touchdown so called when the scorer doesn’t have to touch the ball down? In Rugby, the player scores by touching the ball down in the in-goal area, this is called a try in Rugby.
Rugby isn’t just a game but a way of life. Players will drive hard & tackle hard on the pitch – aggression is an important ingredient of the game but when the final whistle is blown rugby players will happily share a good time with the opposition at the post-rugby social. In sum, it fits well with our military ethos of individual strength, fitness & determination coupled with teamwork to overcome the adversary.
But it is important to understand that Rugby is a game for anyone - any shape or size, not just the big guys. The quick guy on the wing, a skillful ball handler in the midfield, a stocky guy in the forwards (called the pack) & a really stocky guy in the front row. Fitness remains a very important part of the game – players stay on the field for all 80 minutes & the clock keeps running; everyone plays offence & defense! The game is not just about brute force & grit; all players learn the skills required to play each position. How do we do this? SRFC trains every week 6.30 pm on Tuesday & Thursday evenings. We provide fitness & skills training, so why not come & see if Rugby is the game for you? Come and join us and find your place on the team & see how it can change your perspective on life.
Shreveport Rugby Football Club Military Appreciation Day – 2.00pm on 4 March at AC Steere, Youree Drive
On 4 March, SRFC will hold a Military Appreciation Day at AC Steere on Youree Drive. Military members & all guests are welcome to attend. Additionally, Fort Polk has around 200 personnel traveling including an Honor Guard. There will also be a cup game against Dallas Athletic Rugby Club (DARC) starting at 2.00pm, followed by refreshments at Mia’s Sports Bar on the corner of Stoner & Market.
A1C Michael Futch
2CS/SCMC 6-4440
Cable/Antenna Dawgs
