Men’s Rugby Continues Successful Season
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is well underway in Japan. Originating in Britain in the second half of the nineteenth century, rugby has increased in popularity ever since its inception. With the likes of New Zealand, England, and South Africa establishing the most dominant programs over the past decades, it is intriguing to see the sport taking its roots throughout the country. While the heavyweights fight for their chance to attain eternal glory on the international stage, I’d like to take this time to reflect upon how rugby has positioned itself into an up and coming sport in the St. Lawrence domain.
The 2019-2020 SLU Men’s Rugby Team is off to a flying start in their fall campaign. With their sights set on an appearance in the national tournament, the Saints have been hard at work to obtain this goal. The team has amassed a 4-1 record with three of these outings having to be terminated early due to the mercy rule (Woop Woop!).
This past Sunday, October 20, the Saints suffered their first loss of the season to cross-town rival, Clarkson. Facing fierce competition on an overcast afternoon in the North Country, the resilience of the team was on full display. Each player roughed it out, fighting for the guy next to him. Although the outcome was not the one they wanted, each Saint played hard to the very end, a truly commendable effort.
Speaking with senior Seamus St. Leger, it is evident that this program should be catching all of our attentions. “Since I started playing freshman year, we haven’t made the playoffs. I’m almost positive we didn’t even win a game my first year, only won one game my second year, had a decent record of 3-1-1 last year. This year is different, we’re 4-1, playoff bound, and feeling great.” The team is fielded by a diverse group of students, ranging from seniors to first years all with varying degrees of experience. Seamus and the team have their sights set on a successful postseason run and are ready for whatever challenge they will face.
Although rugby is not recognized by the NCAA, it is governed by USA Rugby which allowed for the formation of the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO). This organization enables teams like St. Lawrence to develop rugby programs in hopes of achieving a tangible goal, a national title. The path to the championship is the same as any other NCAA sport, with league play the determinant of playoff contention, the process follows suit with regional and then national rounds. The Saints will continue their quest for success as they take on Alfred State in their first playoff game of the year at 2 P.M in Potsdam on Saturday.
If you have any interest in playing men’s rugby, either in the fall or spring season, and want to learn more, you can send an email to Jack Eldred at jeldr@stlawu.edu. It is also easy to inquire about by just talking to the guys around campus whenever you see them. This team is a very approachable, a welcoming group in the community, and as senior Jackson Meyer put it: “Everything we do is for fun, we have no pressure from anyone but ourselves, and by golly do we love a good hit.”
Remember to get out and support the Saints in their playoff tie on Saturday, October 26 at 2 P.M in Potsdam!