The rugby players are revamping and regrouping the Rugby Club and currently recruiting male students who can run for the spring season.
Practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday in North Oaks Park at 3:30 p.m. with the first away game scheduled for Feb. 8 against Tulane University. Players are welcome to join at any time free of registration fees.
While the rugby club is not currently a recognized student organization, they are working to spread the word about the sport and gain Southeastern’s support.
“Southeastern’s rugby has been a really good team over the years. We’ve actually been conference champions and won tournaments and everything else,” said Jason Mapp, Rugby Club coach and Southeastern alumnus. “It’s just never been supported by the school. I like seeing rugby grow, and I want to try to help them pick rugby back up at Southeastern.”
Requirements for men who wish to join are cleats and comfy clothes. Jeff Gindro, club scheduler, emphasized that prospective players are not expected to have prior experience, only a willingness to learn and try.
“We’re just looking for guys who can run. Honestly I just came out and started playing,” said Gindro. “I don’t know everything yet, but it’s a very fun sport. I’ve stuck it through, and I’ve enjoyed it.”
In describing the sport, several of the members compared rugby to both soccer and football.
“Rugby has the constant movement of soccer, but the contact of football,” said Zack Gerard, Rugby Club member. “You need the endurance needed to run a full game of soccer, but have the physicality of football.”
In addition to establishing rugby at Southeastern, Gindro hopes the efforts of the club will help to more firmly establish the sport professionally nationwide.
“The reason we’re putting the thing together is really the fact that the rest of the world plays this sport, and we’re kind of trying to bring it to America,” said Gindro. “There are obviously other teams all over the country, but no professional teams. We’re helping promote the sport, and maybe one day make rugby a professional sport played here in America.”
Unlike other prominent sports, rugby promotes a strong spirit of companionship and goodwill amid opposing teams.
“The home team will actually host the visiting team after each game. They’ll have a little food and drink either at someone’s house or some other venue,” said Mapp. “They socialize, tell stories and may even sing songs which have been passed down since the beginning of time. It’s like making friends for life at this game.”
For more information on the Rugby Club call Gindro at 985-788-3128 or Mapp at 985-687-3575 or visit the Facebook page by searching “Southeastern Louisiana University Rugby Club.”