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Controlled Chaos

Photo courtesy Springfield Rugby Football Club

A "scrum" develops around the ball during a SRFC match.

“Kick like Pele, run like O.J., fight like Sugar Ray.” This pretty much sums up the mantra of a rugby player. On a recent Thursday night I caught up with the Springfield team for an evening practice and post-sweat-fest libations at Finnegan’s Wake. The guys are passionate about their sport, and more than willing to oblige novices like me with demonstrations and even hand-drawn schematics of rugby positions. Plus, it only took a round of shots to get them to loosen up about the zulu—an initiation rite for rookies after their first score. Warning: it involves somebody gettin’ naked.
 

So what is the Springfield Rugby Football Club?

A group of guys who bring their passion to the pitch for several practices a week and games on weekends. They play in the Heart of America Union, a Division II amateur league (there are no professional rugby leagues in the U.S.) This season, the guys finally have a coach—Bassem “Sam” Tahhan—and their enthusiasm is palpable.

What’s rugby all about?

Intensity. Controlled chaos. Camaraderie. Brotherhood. “It’s war on the field, but after the game, it’s a big party and everyone is friends,” explains center Greg Hicks. No doubt about it: rugby is dirty. But rugby teams also pride themselves on hosting their rivals, providing them with refreshments after the games and forming life-long friendships.

Who are the players?

Local gents who don’t get paid to play, but do it for the love of the game. With nicknames like Rhino, Stone, and the Persian Excursion, you would expect plenty of testosterone, and these guys deliver. They have been athletes in every sport from football to martial arts; each sports experience can give players a skill essential to good rugby, and good rugby might lead to other opportunities. For example, player Ernie Moore was recently recruited after a game by the U.S. Military Combined Services Rugby Sevens Team, and just completed an overseas tour.

So what’s with the black Boat Race Tournament belt behind the bar at Finnegan’s?

Spoiler: no real boats were involved in this contest. The team earned this prestigious award because not only can they play tough on the pitch, but apparently they can even out-drink Fort Leonard Wood.

When can you see the rugby team in action?

Their next home game is November 1 at 2 p.m. You’ll be able to watch comfortably from the newly finished Matt Wilson pavilion (named to honor one of the SRFC’s early founders), where grills, tables, and even a comfy sectional sofa are available for your chill-out pleasure. The guys are quick to point out that game days are family-friendly, so wives, kids, and dogs are welcome. Concessions will be available.

How do you get there?

From I-44: Exit on to MM Highway and drive south about 3/4 mile to Farm Road 144. Turn west at approximately 3/4 mile. Watch for the sign and driveway on the left. From James River Expressway: Exit on to MM Highway and go north to Farm Road 144. Turn west at about 3/4 mile. Watch for the sign and driveway on the left.

Want to know more?

Check out springfieldrugby.com for schedules and contact information. The club is always recruiting. “People from all walks of life can be rugby players. Real quiet people who haven’t played football or basketball can come try out for rugby and are amazing athletes. It’s just something different,” explains Hicks.