Charlie Kain-Williams
Contributing Writer
On a brisk night in Vallejo the Dons faced off against UC Monterey Bay for 80 minutes of rugby. The Dons came out ahead with a final score of 43-17.
Skillful play from the big forward pack and sound execution by the back line lead to a fast paced game. The match marked the second game of the regular season for the Dons, and left them with a record of 1-1. The first game of the season ended in a loss to the well trained and conditioned California Maritime Academy Keelhaulers.
The Rugby Club competes in the California NSCRO College Rugby Association in compliance with USA Rugby rules and regulations. Though rugby is not considered a popular sport at USF it does have a substantial history with the university. An organization for over thirty years, the Dons rugby clubs, both men’s and women’s, have produced players who have gone on to play at the national and international levels.
For those who are not familiar with the game of Rugby, it is a popular sport around the world. It is also one that is growing in popularity throughout the United States. The game features 15 bare bodied players who face off on a field known as the pitch. The match lasts 80 minutes and is played in two halves. A cross between football and soccer, rugby combines the physicality of tackling and stopping the ball carrier with the endurance of nonstop play. Long dashing runs, immaculate passes and hard hits characterize the high intensity sport.
Feb. 7 is the first home game of the season against Sonoma State. The game will begin at 12 p.m.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Charlie Kain-Williams
