Spring Break
Univ. rugby club turns 40 this year
Oldest club sport on campus
LAUREN LAZARUS
Issue date: 3/28/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
When Danie Brink transferred to the University from South Africa, the lure of the intramural rugby team was too great to resist.
Now, he coaches the team three days a week, developing game plans and choosing the teams for Saturday afternoon matches.
"He's a really good motivator. He knows a lot about the sport. He brings a lot to the table," said Daniel Purvis, a senior from Adel.
Rugby is a tradition at the University. The club celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, making it the oldest club sport on campus and the oldest rugby team in the South.
Under the direction of Brink, the team has amassed a 2-2 record this season.
But their ultimate goal is to win the SEC's first ever rugby championship, held in Birmingham, Ala. on Nov. 4.
After this match, the team takes a break until after Christmas, when matrix season begins. Matrix season involves more intense practice and playing schedules.
During matrix season, the team can compete to win the South and play for the national title in California.
In preparation, they hold practice six hours a week. They run drills and simulations, and work on overall fitness.
Practice usually is more physical toward the beginning of the week to avoid injuries as weekend matches approach.
Though practices are fairly informal, allowing anyone to show up and play, those who stick around are placed into the game plan for Saturdays.
Players are selected for either the A-side, B-side or C-side, depending on a person's skills and previous experience.
Brink said it is tough to make these selections, but experience with the team usually helps a player make the A-side.
Because of this system incorporating several teams, everyone who wants to play has a chance to play. The coach does not make cuts, but finds that the sport is self-cutting.
Although the team selection process is organized, it is difficult to come up with a definite game plan, because rugby involves eighty minutes of continuous play. As a result, players have the freedom to make decisions during play.
In action, rugby looks very similar to football. Teams take turns defending their goal and trying to score.
A team can score points by kicking the ball between the uprights or by grounding the ball in the goal area.
However, any player can carry the ball, and no forward passing is allowed. The ball must be moved backwards or laterally.
Even though rugby is an intramural sport, players have the chance to receive individual honors. Last year, University star Sean Catlett was named All-South.
"I was bored with soccer and wrestling was too tame," said Catlett, a sophomore from Roswell. "(Rugby) is the most thrilling sport on campus."
Coach Brink encourages anyone to attend.
"They must come out for the best time in their life," he said.
To join the team, simply attend practice on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening, from 5:30 to 7:30. Practices are held on intramural field number one.
Now, he coaches the team three days a week, developing game plans and choosing the teams for Saturday afternoon matches.
"He's a really good motivator. He knows a lot about the sport. He brings a lot to the table," said Daniel Purvis, a senior from Adel.
Rugby is a tradition at the University. The club celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, making it the oldest club sport on campus and the oldest rugby team in the South.
Under the direction of Brink, the team has amassed a 2-2 record this season.
But their ultimate goal is to win the SEC's first ever rugby championship, held in Birmingham, Ala. on Nov. 4.
After this match, the team takes a break until after Christmas, when matrix season begins. Matrix season involves more intense practice and playing schedules.
During matrix season, the team can compete to win the South and play for the national title in California.
In preparation, they hold practice six hours a week. They run drills and simulations, and work on overall fitness.
Practice usually is more physical toward the beginning of the week to avoid injuries as weekend matches approach.
Though practices are fairly informal, allowing anyone to show up and play, those who stick around are placed into the game plan for Saturdays.
Players are selected for either the A-side, B-side or C-side, depending on a person's skills and previous experience.
Brink said it is tough to make these selections, but experience with the team usually helps a player make the A-side.
Because of this system incorporating several teams, everyone who wants to play has a chance to play. The coach does not make cuts, but finds that the sport is self-cutting.
Although the team selection process is organized, it is difficult to come up with a definite game plan, because rugby involves eighty minutes of continuous play. As a result, players have the freedom to make decisions during play.
In action, rugby looks very similar to football. Teams take turns defending their goal and trying to score.
A team can score points by kicking the ball between the uprights or by grounding the ball in the goal area.
However, any player can carry the ball, and no forward passing is allowed. The ball must be moved backwards or laterally.
Even though rugby is an intramural sport, players have the chance to receive individual honors. Last year, University star Sean Catlett was named All-South.
"I was bored with soccer and wrestling was too tame," said Catlett, a sophomore from Roswell. "(Rugby) is the most thrilling sport on campus."
Coach Brink encourages anyone to attend.
"They must come out for the best time in their life," he said.
To join the team, simply attend practice on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening, from 5:30 to 7:30. Practices are held on intramural field number one.
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