No, it’s not football or soccer: It’s rugby. MSUM’s women’s club rugby has begun. With a decisive 48-0 season opening victory over the University of North Dakota, the Dragons are only hunting for more.

“This year we are looking to take first place at Final Four. That would be something this club has never done in its existence,” head coach “Colorado” said. “With the restructuring of our league and everything, it’s better suited for us, a smaller club, to go on and win at final four.”

The past two years the Dragons have made it to the final four; last year the team took second.

The 19 girls practice three times a week, this year at the M State field that they newly call their home field this year.

“It’s really nice to have the opportunity to come to M State where we have all this green grass to ourselves,” said captain Abby Furth. “This was a big step for our teams. We are really looking forward to the future and hope MSUM and the Moorhead community will see more of our rugby teams, as well as come out and support us because it is a fun game.”

The fifth year veteran from Lamberton, Minn. came to MSUM never having played rugby before, much like many of the other girls on the team.

“We never say no to anyone, because we are always looking for new people,” said “Colorado,” who is in her first year as head coach. “We had a really strong turn out this year as far as new players go…(most new players) who come out are day-one rugby players, so we’re used to that and always welcome new people. It’s a pretty easy sport to learn.”

Rugby is played in two running clock 40-minute halves with 15 players from each team on the field at one time.

“Watch ‘Rugby 101’ on YouTube,” Furth said. “It’s very clear and simple.”

The game is full tackle, however, and no protective gear other than a mouth guard is used.

“People get hooked pretty easily,” said “Colorado,” who formally played rugby at MSUM. “When you get that first big tackle…you get all amped up.”

“It’s just a lot of fun to play, you get to meet a lot of new friends and travel as well, which is awesome,” Furth said. “I fell in love with it freshman year, and couldn’t keep me away.”

The Dragons finish the regular season in October with the University of Minnesota-Morris, Southwest Minnesota State University, South Dakota State University and finally, the Final Four tournament.

“Colorado” said any girls who want to become a member are more than welcome to come to practice Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
BY MADALYN LASKE
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