by Lindsay FerrinIn a small town in Southern Utah, fifteen players enlist in the city's first ever sports team of. . . Rugby? On March 17th, 2010 Students from the Hurricane valley competed against Dixie Rugby club, officially instating Hurricane Rugby. Rugby as a sport is a "growing pastime" in Utah, and Hurricane has proclaimed it won't be left behind. However reluctantly, many readers may be asking at this point "What's Rugby?" Throw American Football and Soccer into a blender, remove the padding, and the result will be something very close to what New Zealanders call 1st XV, or Rugby.Rugby is no longer restricted to England where it was invented. Utah has finally caught on, and so have 25 Hurricane students the ages of 14-19, and who can blame them? It's hard to pass up a mosh pit of teen boys hoisting the ball and other players into the air without a penalty whistle. It's a fast paced game for strong players willing to run 80 minutes on pure stamina and adrenaline; no huddles, no time-outs. Almost as demanding as the physical nature of the game, are the rigorous standards outlined for these teens. Beyond the simple requirements of attending practices, teammates must demonstrate discipline in church, school and community, as disciplinary action from any of these venues will lead to expulsion from a game. Profanity and low grades are also not tolerated on the Rugby pitch. Hurricane coaches feel this sport is about "increasing personal growth, and providing opportunities for positive change in individuals, families, and the community." As Hurricane's 1st XV sets the standard for its successors, they invite the community to join them in becoming acquainted with the sport of Rugby.
Hurricane Rugby Club, You make us proud. Keep it up and show these other boys what rugby is all about.
ReplyDeleteHey I was wondering if you had the full game on film and if there was anyway I could get a copy of it?
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