The Women’s Oakland Rugby Club is in search of more players for their upcoming fall season.
The team consists of at least 15 players. The main focus of the game is to run into the opposing team’s “goal area” with the ball without getting tackled. While the season runs from the beginning of September to the beginning of November, they also offer optional conditioning before the season starts. However, the club is currently at risk of not having an upcoming season if there is not a full executive board and team.
Executive member Audrey Stemen is vocal about her support for her team and members.
“I really love the diversity of rugby players and the game’s natural inclusion,” Stemen said when thinking about her favorite aspect of the game. “Learning such a unique sport is an entertaining challenge and I had full support for every second of it. Rugby is a team sport through and through, which is what makes it so easy to fall in love with.”
During the playing season, there are typically two practices a week. For two hours, players will do exercises and practice games on the OU outdoor fields. In addition, players can also expect team bonding activities to get to know each other better. Games normally occur once every Saturday or Friday evening, however, there is often a flexible schedule when it comes to the sport, as they understand balancing college can be difficult.
The sport is physically demanding due to requiring a lot of tackling and pushing. Yet even after a tough match, it is customary for club members to socialize and befriend the opposing team.
“Matches are intense but an incredible amount of fun. There is a lot of aggression on the pitch but only for the spirit of the game,” Stemen said. “After a match, we typically have a social with the other team’s players and they’re all really wonderful people!”
While the sport is intense, so much positivity can radiate within the team.
“I think girls who have experienced the struggles of other team power dynamics or body image expectations of other sports would find rugby to be very refreshing,” Stemen said.
Executive member Emma LaLonde joined with a background of playing soccer her whole life. She came to love the sport and the versatility it brings out in every player as well.
“Any ‘body’ is really a ‘rugby body’ because of the diverse needs throughout the field with the forwards and backs,” LaLonde said. “We are very inclusive and there are so many benefits of being on the team.”
However, the sport often goes unnoticed due to its lack of popularity in the U.S.
“Although it is growing, rugby is not a very known sport in the U.S. and many people come into college — that being the first experience hearing about rugby,” LaLonde said. “It’s all part of having the team to help you through the learning process.”
For more information about the sport and the club, visit their GrizzOrgs page.
