The sport of rugby is one of the most physical sports in the world, and it is built for people who are excited to use aggression, focus and teamwork for a club sport in a healthy setting at Iowa State.
The most closely related sports to rugby are football and soccer. Rugby is played with 15 players on each team, divided into positions of forwards and backs. The goal is, like most games, to score the most points in the allotted amount of time, which is 80 minutes, split into two 40 minute halves.
Rugby can also be played with just seven players on each team and is divided into two seven-minute halves.
The objective is to score by advancing the ball towards the opponent’s goal area by passing, carrying the ball or kicking the ball into the opponent’s goal area; however, it is not allowed to pass the ball forward to score, but only backward and sideways passes are allowed.
The opponents are allowed to tackle the offense like in football, to stop the offense from scoring and getting into an opponent’s area, or getting a conversion through goals.
The club has had a tradition since 1968 of winning games and being able to qualify for the big games in the latter part of the season.
“This 15’s season saw lots of growth, culminating in a high-stakes matchup against Iowa for the Heart of America Conference Championship in November, where we were able to clinch a spot in the national Dl-AA playoffs for the fourth year in a row,” club president Zach Huber said.
The 15’s team played well in Indianapolis, Indiana, going all the way to the national championship game, where they lost in a close matchup against Western Washington University 19-13, placing second in the nation for the Dl-AA.
The seven’s team was also really good this season. They were also able to qualify for the national tournament after winning the Heart of America Conference Championship in Omaha, Nebraska.
Recently, the club has left the Heart of America Conference after 14 seasons and will now compete in the Midwest Rugby Conference alongside other new members such as the University of Minnesota and Wayne State College. This conference will give Iowa State a better chance to play against even tougher opponents.
While the rugby club is focused on winning matches and competing at high levels, they also have a strong culture of togetherness and building unity between teammates.
“Iowa State Rugby has been a highlight of my college experience,” forwards captain Zach English said. “I love having something to train for and work towards outside of schoolwork. I’ve created lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget.”
Along with the opportunities for bonding with teammates, the club has been able to travel around the country to play against very competitive rugby programs, even being able to play against opponents overseas.
“The club has allowed me to travel all over the country and to Bermuda and Ireland to play,” backs captain Justin Johnson said.
Anyone who is looking to get involved with the Iowa State rugby club should reach out to Huber at [email protected], or English at [email protected].
