The Keene State women’s rugby club just celebrated their 35th season. The team began the 2023 fall season with a loss against Plymouth State before earning their first win of the season the following week against Bentley University 17-15.
The team is always looking for new players interested in joining. With rugby being new to many people in the U.S., they might feel intimidated by having to learn the sport. Women’s rugby secretary Caroline Chase says that isn’t the case.
“It’s a pretty complicated game but people pick it up very fast. A lot of it is just watching. Any skill level, we’re excited for new people. It seems really scary at first, but it’s a super fun sport,” said Chase.
Another big aspect to joining the rugby team is the social aspect. It’s a great way for students to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and meet new people. Chase said that the team is very close and has brought her a whole new friend group.
“We do a lot together, not rugby related. Now the whole team is so tight,” said Chase.
Rugby has two separate seasons during the year. The first is during the fall semester in which they play the more traditional style of 15 on 15 for two 40 minute halves. The fall regular season concludes on Oct. 28, before postseason play begins. The spring season is a tournament style format. The games are 7 on 7 and just two 14 minute halves. The team plays multiple games a day during the spring season.
The team participates in the NERFU-NSCRO South bracket with ten other small schools in New England. Both the men’s and women’s teams have been active in trying to get the team into National Collegiate Rugby (NCR). Getting moved up will help legitimize the teams.
“Moving up will help us in recruiting and also get us access to trainers,” said Chase. The team would then be able to get specialized training and workouts through the school.
The team has three games remaining with their next home game being Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11a.m. against Bryant. Interested players for the fall and/or spring season can reach out to club President Aurora Mastro at aurora.mastro@keene.edu.
Cal Thompson can be contacted at
callan@kscequinox.com
