Shelbie Harris

Staff Writer

Women, long denied the chance to participate in contact sports, are now joining rugby clubs in record numbers and relishing the no-nonsense nature of what has been called a hooligan’s game played by gentleman, or in this case, proper ladies.

The women’s rugby program at Idaho State University is no different than that at countless other schools across the country in the fact that women’s rugby is rapidly growing in popularity.

“Women’s rugby is an emerging varsity sport for both NCAA and the collegiate level, as well as high school,” said head coach Ram Eddings.

Eddings has been involved with rugby for over half a lifetime, putting in over 40 years as either a player or a coach.

For the last 18 years, he dedicated his time to the men’s rugby team of ISU before announcing his retirement in 2013.

Eddings couldn’t stay away for too long, reluctantly agreeing to coach the women’s rugby team after the departure of the previous head coach left a vacancy he couldn’t refuse.

Eddings said coaching rugby for the women’s team is similar as well as different from coaching men’s rugby.

The techniques and skill set are the same. However, men’s rugby requires him to focus on finesse while women’s rugby requires more of a focus placed on aggression.

“Rugby is challenging both mentally and physically,” Eddings said.  “It requires you to make a quick assessment of your situation and act accordingly.”

Eddings said the ISU rugby team was created in 2000 and played until 2004 before a seven-year hiatus due to a lack of popularity. The program was later reinstated in 2011.

The ISU women’s rugby team is part of the Rocky Mountain Rugby Conference which includes teams from Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Montana State University, University of Montana, Colorado State University, Colorado Mesa University and United States Air Force Academy.

Katie West, a junior and captain of the women’s rugby team, has been playing rugby for six years and said her position on the field depends on what week it is, although her favorite position to play is prop.

The prop position involves people pushing and fighting in the middle of the scrums while the hooker tries to “hook” the ball.

West said the team is looking promising even though they have only completed a semi-competitive scrimmage to date. The team is looking forward to its first seven-on-seven tournament March 28 in Montana.

“As captain, I get to make all the penalty decisions as well as be the loudest voice on the field,” West said.  “I really enjoy the sense of sportsmanship and the camaraderie involved with the game.”

Lauren Wagner, a junior who plays the lock position, said rugby is a mix of every sport put together from cheerleading, to ultimate frisbee, to soccer and American football.

“Pass backwards and run forwards,” added West.

Although as much as her parents would like for her to quit she said she loves the sport too much to even consider doing so.

Wagner said she appreciates all the support from the fans at Idaho State University and wants as much support as possible.

The ISU women’s rugby team has its first home game, the Idaho State Sevens Tournament, on April 11. Home games take place on Bartz Field. Anyone who is interested in watching is welcome to attend.

Those interested in joining the team can contact West or Eddings at (208) 282-3142.