Women’s Rugby

By Sam Boudrot

“Whatever society expects from you as a woman, rugby wants the exact opposite,” says Kate Glenn, a junior on the Green Mountain College women’s rugby team. After she told me that, I knew I had to play. The next day I showed up at practice totally unprepared for what awaited me. I had never played rugby before in my life, never even seen a game or a practice. Fellow rookie, Erin Owen says of her thoughts before joining the team, “I expected to be scared out of my mind and to be with a group of people who knew what was going on. It was different because even though there were some awesome players, there were still some who needed to learn.” Like me.

Twelve new players joined the GMC’s Women’s Rugby team this season, so I was in surprisingly good company. The team vets were awesome resources—teaching us the game, and lending us equipment and encouragement when we needed it. “The first day of practice was insane! I had no idea what to do, it was like learning a new language,” Erin says. When balls are flying at your head and forwards are trying to tackle you into the dirt, you catch on fast. According to Kate, “The only way to learn rugby is to play rugby.”

As women, we are not supposed to be physical, to be tough, to be aggressive. In rugby, if you aren’t any of those things, good luck surviving the game. Rugby requires its players to have speed, stamina, skill, size and above all attitude. It is a full-body contact sport that leaves the team spotted with bruises and the occasional injury, but just as often with smiles on their faces. “I was scared, really scared my first game. I really didn’t want to die,” said Kate. “I expected to get in shape, maybe play in a few games. What I got was to be in shape, to play in every game, gain some great friends, a new love (rugby) and a whole lot of self-respect.”

When asked if she thought rugby was a feminist sport, one of the team captains, Meadow Hartwell replied, “Rugby is just like any other sport--a feminist sport? I don’t know. It brings out many of the positive qualities and capabilities of women including how to work together as a team, communicate, be aggressive and be strong both physically and mentally.” Rugby requires a lot of its players. Greer Lally (Rugger #6) says, “I am so motivated, involved and enthusiastic-more than I ever thought I’d be! … I want to be a fifth year senior just so I can keep playing!”

This season has been one of progress for the women’s rugby team. Unfortunately, we have gone without a win this fall. However, every game the team has played a little bit better. This past game against Keene State, Coach Crystal Noyes said the team played the best it has so far this season. Our game against St. Mike’s on October 23 was the last game of the fall. Due to the high interest in rugby this year, a spring session is expected. So if you missed your chance to play in the fall, you can get in on the action second semester.

I doubt anyone could say it better than Erin, “Of course I would play again. Once you start you just can’t stop!”