Steven Murillo
Staff Writer
The success from last year is written on the wall for the ISU Rugby team and it’s fueling the fire for this year’s team to be better than ever.
With returning leadership from players like Luke Woodward, Zundel Molifua and Joe Lagomarsino, the squad will have a genuine chance for an even better year this season than last.
“During the fall we are in a process of growth,” said ISU Rugby Captain Robbie Bridge. “This is a perfect time to develop as players and continue to learn about our game for the upcoming season.”
Are the ruggers ready? Will they outperform the teams scheduled?
The team already achieved a superb accomplishment by making it to the quarterfinals of the Varsity Cup to face the University of Washington Huskies.
The Huskies went on to win the Cup Final in Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City shortly after their quarterfinal match in Pocatello.
For those who are unfamiliar, rugby is a free-flowing game that features a combination of strength, speed and strategy to move the ball into an opponent’s end zone.
Bridge said, “We were nationally recognized as a team who was a favorite to win the sevens tournament in [Boise] last week. The Idaho State name is out there amongst the rugby world, it’s key now to just keep it moving forward.”
They won the plate for second place, coming in as runner up against a past-national champion University of Utah team.
Rugby at ISU is a special organization that is unique in many ways.
“Think of us as the hard- working, blue-collar group that doesn’t always get the credit for glory,” Bridge said.
In the past few years ISU men’s rugby has merited all sorts of accomplishments, including two undefeated regular seasons and several tournament victories. Yet, it is still mostly under the radar, even here in Pocatello.
When asked what it is that makes for such a successful environment and program, Bridge said, “Hard work, camaraderie, sacrifice, time and the legacy that Ram Eddings left for the team to have high expectations and standards.”
Ram Eddings, former rugby head coach, has left his mark on the program by taking expectations to a championship-level during each year of his service.
The rugby lifestyle he has introduced to so many new players over the years is one of strong character.
When describing the attitude of the team this year, Bridge said, “There’s hunger, but if you’re not strong and disciplined with your attitude it’s going to be a tough battle for you.”
Going into games having faith that you have prepared on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis is vital. The game places heavy value on the ability of the human anatomy and the physical and mental conditioning toward the sport.
Rugby conditioning is different due to the heavy tackles, the constant pace of the game, the long breakaway sprints and the up-and-down nature of gameplay.
After just a few tackles and a few runs, minutes into the game, you can find yourself breathing heavily like a cross country runner due to the level of output on different areas of the body. Running and pushing heavy resistance during tackles or during a match is typical.
“Being healthy and fit is required to play competitively,” said Bridge, and big name opponents certainly will be competitive.
Some of the games scheduled for spring conference matches will be against Utah State, Weber State, Utah Valley, UNLV, Montana State, Boise State and Snake Valley.
You can come watch ISU rugby and witness the culture of an international sport locally at home games that take place at Bartz Field.
The field is lined with colorful nation flags along the road above. The hill and seating areas are usually scattered with spectators.
Many athletes on campus respect and are aware of the rowdy rugby players and they can be seen supporting the team during Saturday home games.
Certainly the games do not disappoint even those unfamiliar with the sport.
The game is played in an ongoing, fast-paced fashion with only one half-time break.
The rugby players have a culture of athleticism and they throw their bodies into situations fit for only the toughest.
“Last year, only two losses. One was to the Snakes. We won our conference,” stated Bridge.
“We are in the process of building right now, and growth is crucial but our eyes are set on championships during the upcoming season. In the minds of the players we’re developing ourselves so much right now to be prepared. Because it’s going to be our turn at ISU to bring home the butter,” added Bridge.
