Rugby is a competitive sport known for hard tackling, a fast pace and a lot of bruises. Last year the PSU women’s rugby team was awarded ‘Most Improved’ by the clubs and recreation program, and they are looking to succeed on new turf in the 2013-14 conference season. These women work hard physically and mentally and are more than ready to take on league play for the very first time.
The PSU women’s team is part of the Cascade Collegiate Women’s Rugby Conference at the Division II level. Their league matches are against Seattle University, Western Washington University, Western Oregon University, Central Washington University and the University of Idaho. They are also hoping to play a few friendly matches against Oregon State, University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University said team captain Laura Klein, who has been with this team for three years.
“We’re starting off the season with two tournaments at OSU on Oct. 12 and 19. Our first league match is Oct. 26 against Seattle University at Portland State’s Stott Field. Check online and keep an eye out for flyers and advertising for the kickoff time,” says Klein.
A new team in the works is an exciting way to start the season. Coach Juanje Navarrete is from Chile and came to PSU as an international student. He started a master’s program here at PSU this summer and works as a counselor as well. The team is excited to have him returning for this upcoming competitive season.
Rugby is a game that is played with 15 people on the field for each side, and therefore requires a relatively large team. The team is actively recruiting new players and looking for a chance to expand their program to greater heights.
Since rugby is a rec club, there are no tryouts. You only need to be enrolled in one credit and have enthusiasm for the sport. No prior experience of the game is needed; they will help and teach you everything you need to know about becoming a great player. According to Klein, “growing the sport [through] teaching is one of the things that this club is truly passionate about.”
Practices are Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Stott Field. For practices, make sure you bring a mouthpiece, cleats and a water bottle. Prior to joining, you will need to fill out a code of conduct and liability waiver. If you’re interested, be sure to show up to practice and see if rugby is a good fit for you!
This team is also very active outside of the game. They do bake sales for funding, engage in community service projects and encourage players to hang out and go on runs or go to the gym with one another outside of practice. “We are a close knit club, very much like a family, so we all get together often,” said Klein.
Leaving blood, sweat and tears on the field is what this game is all about. It thrives on competitiveness and having fun at the same time. If you would like to get involved in a physical activity after class and foster passion for women’s rugby, this would be a great club for you.
Keep an eye out for these Vikings this season! They are ready to show their competition what they’ve got, and a fan base would do nothing but add to their already strong desire to win. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on upcoming games and recaps.
For further information you can email them at wrugby@pdx.edu or visit their Facebook at www.facebook.com/pdxwrfc