As winter comes to an end, Oakland University’s rugby club is preparing for their spring season opener at home March 16 against Wayne State.

The team has already gotten a head start by getting together to practice and to discuss the schedule for the new season.

 

Behind the scenes

The rugby team at Oakland formed in 2005. The team had a couple of rough years and was dying by 2010, according to Ted Tansley, president of the rugby team. However, the team was able to rebuild their player base in 2011 and keep going.

“Some of the older guys were a big part of keeping the team going,” Tansley said. “I joined right away and instantly fell in love with the sport.”

 

The game

Rugby is a highly aggressive sport, combining football and soccer. It requires 15 players on the field at once.

“We have a special motto that we use on the team: 15 as 1,” captain Frank DeLong said. “Each team is only as strong as their weakest link. There are no superstars out here, only a great team.”

 

Not just a man’s world

Currently, Oakland only has a men’s rugby team, but the team has high hopes to start a team for the women as well. Even though rugby is a high-contact and aggressive sport, that does not stop women from getting involved.

“We really hope to get a women’s team started up,” Tansley said.  “It’ll be nice to have diversity brought to the sport.”

 

Getting involved

To play on the team, there is a $45 registration for each player as well as club dues. Anyone is encouraged to get involved with the team.

“The great thing about rugby is that really anyone can play,” Tansley said. “It doesn’t matter what body build you are. We’ll find a spot for you on the team.”

Many current players have backgrounds in the sport, but those who do not have previous experience are welcomed to try something new.

“I started playing rugby my junior year of high school,” DeLong said. “When I got word that Oakland’s team was looking for some new players, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to continue playing.”

The team has a table in the Oakland Center with information about joining and upcoming games.

 

In the zone

Like many other sports, rugby has a mindset all its own. Players get deeply involved in the game, persevering through injuries and other obstacles.

“The team plays in all sorts of weather and other conditions,” Tansley said. “We play year-round so it’s interesting to see how each game plays out.”

The team plays in the Upper Pioneer Fields, and the season also continues into the summer months.

“Rugby can get pretty rough,” Tansley said. ”But it’s tons of fun, so it’s more than worth it.”

Rugby combines a mix of mental and physical ability to create a challenging game. It’s this challenge that gives its players their connections to the field.

“When you’re on the field you get an emotional connection to it,” Tansley said. “As soon as you get pulled out, all you want to do is jump right back in.”

 

A new kind of sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is important in any game, but rugby takes the game to a new level. After the game is over, the home team hosts and sponsors a social. These events feature food and conversation for both the home and opposing teams.

“It’s nice to just be able to be in good company after a game,” Tansley said. “It’s a great way to end such a great game.”

Rugby teams everywhere host socials, making them a staple. Events like these help to promote not only sportsmanship with another team but healthy competition as well.

 

Building a brotherhood

The players of the team enjoy spending time together on and off the field. Going out to eat and sitting together watching matches to pick up strategy are some of the most common activities, according to Tansley.

“My favorite part of being on the team is the bonds I’ve formed with my teammates,” DeLong said. ”Each and every guy on this team is a brother to me.”

The team welcomes anyone who is willing to play and wants to join an exciting and interesting sport.

“We like to think of rugby as Oakland’s version of football,” Tansley said. “Since we don’t have a team ourselves yet, it’s nice to still bring excitement to the students.”