By Vincent Powell
Rugby. A sport seldom known by the typical American. When someone mentions the game, it’s often overshadowed by football, basketball, or soccer. However, there are always those on college campuses who go against the grain. At WVU, men’s club rugby does exactly that. Even in this lesser-known game, the Mountaineers have been historically successful.
On February 25, the WVU men’s club rugby team traveled to the University of Oklahoma to compete in the Big 12 7’s Tournament. The two-time defending tournament champions breezed by Oklahoma State University, the University of Northern Texas and Kansas State University to arrive at the finals match against the University of Arkansas.
Fighting lack of substitutions, injury and a grueling Arkansas offense, WVU fell to Arkansas 35-0.
“We didn’t have our best game of the tournament against Arkansas,” said Luke Ellis, rugby club president, “Every team has a bad game or two, and ours just happened to be at an inopportune time.”
Despite the recent loss, the team isn’t dwelling on the past. They’re focused on the future. With their consistently high rankings, it’s clear the team’s success depends on more than just talent.
“Our team chemistry is one of our biggest strengths,” Ellis said, “We are like a big family on this team. It starts with not only being teammates, but friends as well.”
WVU men’s rugby will continue its season with the Keystone 7’s at West Chester University in West Chester, PA.
Vincent Powell
Campus Recreation Staff Writer