UMD Women and Men’s Rugby Club: Competition and Friendship

The men’s rugby team running drills at practice. Photo by Autumn Bestgen

Are you looking for a fun club to make some new friends? Are you looking for a way to stay active? Or do you even just want to try a new sport with no prior experience needed? Well the UMD Rugby club is a great club to join. Not only will you learn how to play but you will make lifelong memories and amazing friends. 

“It’s a family, all of rugby is super tight-knit,” said Jaylen Bremer. “Anywhere you go and see someone who has played you instantly connect, and can talk about it because it is such a niche thing.”  

When asked about why they decided to join the team, many of the rugby team members said they found it their freshman year at the club fair. Others said they decided to join because they wanted to find a good group to teach them something new. 

“I have wanted to play rugby for a long time and I haven’t found a place that’s super inclusive and friendly to beginners,” said Rocco Pozega. “But then I found this team and they have been some of the nicest athletes I have played with, and are very inclusive to beginners.” 

They all said that they ended up staying because of how nice the teams were and how close they have become as a group.  According to co-captain Layn King, comradery is what makes the group such a good team. 

“I like the little rituals we have like going to Taco Bell after practice or spending a night at someone's house as a whole group. It’s a nice bonding time,” said King. 

As a team they always look out for each other whether during practice, a game, or outside of the club. 

“It's a great community that we have, the guys are all really nice and I am getting to learn more and more about them each day,” said freshman Nathan Woodward. “I have been getting to know them all and they are a really good group of guys.” 

Team members always look out for each other and help other players if they are nervous, especially before games. Some rugby players offered advice they might give to ease pre-match nerves, though their words of wisdom are relevant outside of rugby too.

“Just treasure every moment you have with the team and know that win or lose you are all still a team,” said captain Kristian Foss. Often you just need something to calm your nerves or you need some advice that will distract you, 

“Don’t stress too much, just go out there and have a good time,” said Emily Curtiss.  But sometimes the easiest advice to give is the best advice. 

“Just breathe, we all get nervous before games because it is very physical. Sometimes that makes us nervous so we get the ball and freeze, so just chill and remember it’s just a game, try your best,” said Mara Stein. 

When thinking about past events from rugby, the teams had some fun memories, 

“My freshman year we went to New Orleans for the national tournament. We had the school sports club bus and there were 15 guys on a 22 hour long bus ride across the country,” said John Kettle. “It was a lot of fun just being with the guys and making fun memories.” 

In past years they have had fun memories, but even this year’s practices been fun. 

“Practices are fun because a lot of us newbies don’t all really know what we are doing and we fall down a lot which is funny. We just have a good time,” said freshman Ruby Isaacson. As a team they all hope to have many more fun memories for years to come.

For the future of the teams they hope to get more people to join them because they always say the more people the better. 

“I hope to see the club continue to grow. At the beginning of the year we started out with eight to ten people, but now we have around 25,” said Matthew Carda. “I want the club to keep growing hopefully to 30 and maybe even 60 because I want to see it grow as much as it can.” 

Practices are a place where you learn how to play rugby and learn different techniques and skills of the game. 

“For practices we always start by running laps and warm ups to get us stretched and ready to go. Then we will work on ball handling, tackling, and the techniques we use,” said Adrianne Covey. Then on game days they use everything they have learned to try and win. 

“We usually set up our own field and make sure it’s ready for the game by making sure it’s painted, it has field markers, and the pads are on the goalposts,” said Kristian Foss. “Then we warm up for an hour to get the body ready, the mind right, and play a good 80 minute game.” 

At the end of the day they all work very hard to be the best that they can be. Whether they win or lose they are all there to have some fun. Anyone can join the team, no prior experience required.

“Don’t be scared to try it, rugby is a sport made for anyone to play, we can teach you everything you need to know,” said Covey. “In this sport it’s a family and all are welcome to join.”