Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

After a long weekend away from the email...there is tons of rugby in the inbox and across the web. Check out what I found interesting this week:

• Women's rugby: 'It's a lifestyle, not just a game'
  By Larry Claflin Jr., Staff writer
  Eagle-Tribune
  
  Those who think the rough-and-tumble sport of rugby is a man's game should attend a North Shore Women's Rugby practice or match. The team - based in Lynn and including several players from the Merrimack Valley in its ranks - will change your opinion.
  
  "I love rugby because you're supposed to hit people," Shannon Horn, 23, of Haverhill, said after a recent practice.
  
  Horn said she began playing soccer at 6 and became more aggressive in the sport as she got older. Rugby, she said, gave her a good outlet for aggression.
  
  
• Lonestar 7s Results (Women's)
  1st Place: Texas A&M University
  2nd Place: Satiated Beavers (Austin, TX)
  3rd Place: Houston
  Most Honored Woman: Kim Smith
  
  The Debutante Ball was a success as we had 24 lady ruggers in assorted dresses participate. The Austin Valkyries hope to continue this old tradition in the coming years. Dust off your boots ladies!!
  
  
• Rugby in Hungary
  by Gary Duffy
  
  On Friday I was lucky to be invited to coach The Aylesford Bulls touring women's Rugby team, on tour here in Hungary. On Friday we had a light training run and I did some league skills with the 30 player squad, then followed a wine tasting and banquet in a small countryside Village.
  
  
• http://www.myspace.com/jewelrybuff wrote:
  
  I have a young high school rugby player, Chris Claus who has just made the Texas Select Rugby Team. Yeah! He is the Allen HS team's first to make Select.
  His first tournament is June 14-17 in Denver and the family needs to raise the last $350 to offset expenses.
  If you can contribute to this young man's rugby efforts you can contact me (I'm the team sponsor) or Chris has his own myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/idiot22090
  
  Much Thanks
  Betty
  Rugby Mom

Check out these blogs and more here: http://www.rugbydirt.com/blogs/index.php

10th Annual Bloodfest 7s Westerns Super Regional Qualifier - 23 June 2007
Zilker Park, Austin, TX

GOT BLOOD?
GIVE IT!
Tournament promotes the Central Texas Blood & Tissue Center

Entry Costs: (Pay now to play later)
Super Qualifier Division $225 ($300 after 6/15/2007)
Open and Social Division $175 ($225 after 6/15/2007)
Women's Division $150 ($200 after 6/15/2007)

Pre-Tourney Party at Nasty's. Wear your rugby colors for drink specials.
Beware our infamous Pub Crawl! Many times the fun of a Pub Sit (see Nasty's, above). There will be over 200 ruggers helping you find the next bar.
Win money in the Original Rugby Olympics, or simply thrill at the pretty girls:
All Men's Brackets Guaranteed FOUR Games (each of regulation length)
Beat the heat, quench your thirst, and satisfy your hunger in our Shady Biergarten!
You need a place to stay. Right near the pub crawl you'll find the Courtyard by Marriott® Hotel Austin Downtown. The Bloodfest price is $119/night for up to four comfortable guests. Click here to reserve at that fantastic rate.
In 2006, 15 teams won hardware!
8:00am Registration (you must pay to play) Captains meeting for ALL brackets at 8:30am An additional meeting for the Qualifiers will be held after the captains meeting.
Entry Costs: (Pay now to play later)
Super Qualifier Division $225 ($300 after 6/15/2007)
Open and Social Division $175 ($225 after 6/15/2007)
Women's Division $150 ($200 after 6/15/2007)
Click a Paypal button above, or send a check to: Joel Richardson, Tournament Chairman, 2507 Woodmont Ave., Austin, TX 78703. Important: If you want to enter more than one team or make other arrangements--ask TJ.
Beautiful Zilker Park is conveniently located: 2100 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78746	Google Map

So I went to my first 7s practice of the season yesterday. I hadn't been attending because I was preparing for our warm up match in Kansas City, but can't stay away any longer! I LOVE IT!! I love the thinking, passing, patience and beauty of 7s. Last night we worked on our LONG LONG passes (with a few bounces...haha) and then the swing ling. We also worked on our super secret line out play...ok its not really a secret, I just wanted to say that.

We are also entering two teams into the Dallas tournament this weekend as we have had such solid numbers for practice. We have about 6 new girls and they all seem pretty excited and pumped!!

• Bloodfest 7's is only 3 weeks away. Spots are filling fast. Do not miss out on all the action and fun that is Bloodfest.
  
  
  - Guarantee 4 games
  - 4 brackets (Qualifier, Open, Social, Womens)
  - BIG pay in advance discounts and BIG Multi-team discounts
  - Original Rugby Olympics
  - Pub Crawl on 6th Street
  - Biergarten at the pitch
  - More, more, more
  
  - Bring a Check to Dallas 7's and we will throw in the Atilla Meal Deal for your team. Contact me by e-mail or at 512-632-0606
  
  TJ Costello
  Huns RFC/Bloodfest 7's Teams Coordinator
  http://www.hunsrugby.com
  

• Challenge Matches Completed
  #20 at #13 = Belmont Shore 86 at Austin Valkyries 0, April 21 (seed lost)
  #19 at #14 = Scottsdale 5 at ORSU 51, April 21 (seed preserved)
  #18 at #15 = Boston 10 at Kansas City Jazz 19, May 12 (seed preserved)
  #17 at #16 = Wisconsin 34 at Emerald City Mudhens 52, May 26 (seed preserved)
  
  PLAYOFFS: ALL POOLS
  October 27-28, 2007
  Burr Fields, Austin, TX
  Hosted By: Austin Rugby Club
  
  CHAMPIONSHIPS:
  November 9-11, 2007
  Seminole County Sports Training Center, Sanford, Fla.
  Hosted By: The Central Florida Sports Commission
  

• USA Rugby Senior & U-23 Women's All Star Championship - June 15-17
  National Sports Center, Blaine, MN
  
  
  Women’s U-23
  
  
  Friday, June 15
  9:30 am: Northeast v USA U19
  11:30 am: Pacific Coast v South
  1:30 pm: Midwest v MARFU
  3:30 pm: West v So Cal
  
  Sunday, June 17
  8:30 am: Tier B Consolation
  10:30 am: Tier B Championship
  12:30 pm: Tier A Consolation
  2:30 pm: Tier A Championship
  
  
  Senior Women
  
  

  Friday, June 15
  10:00 am: West v South
  12:00 pm: So Cal v TBD
  2:00 pm: Northeast v Pacific Coast
  4:00 pm: Midwest v MARFU
  
  Sunday, June 17
  9:00 am: Tier B Consolation
  11:00 am: Tier B Championship
  1:00: Tier A Consolation
  3:00 Tier A Championship
  
  
• Girls High School Rugby National Invitational Tournament
  2007 Cup Champion: Divine Savior Holy Angels
  2nd Place: Kent
  3rd Place: Vernon
  
  2007 Plate Champion: West Linn
  2nd Place: Canby
  
  
• Register for USA U19 Camp in June (from U19 Girls Rugby Blog)
  
  June 17-21, 2007
  Blaine, Minnesota
  
  EAGLE FLIGHT CAMP DETAILS:
  Who: Female athletes age 13-19
  What: The inaugural Under-19 USA Rugby player development camp.
  Why: This camp is designed to instruct players from all levels of skill and experience, including beginners, to play more effectively as an individual and as a member of a team.
  
  * Interact with USA National team players and coaches
  * Film study and individual analysis of play
  * Individual player evaluation and feedback
  * Position-specific coaching
  * Full on duty medical staff
  
  When: June 17-21, 2007
  (Athletes should arrive by 4 PM June 17 and may depart after 10 AM on the 21.)
  Where: National Sports Complex Blaine, MN
  Camp Staff:
  Head Coach: Bryn Chivers
  Assistant Coaches: Sue Oldenburg & Tasha Bishop
  Managers: Jeff Noe
  
  Transportation: Flight itineraries should be sent to u19usawomen@usarugby.org and transportation will be coordinated to/from the airport. All camp activities will occur within walking distance of the residence halls.
  Meals: All meals will be provided at the residence halls. Costs for each meal are included in the camp fee.
  Residence: Campers will be housed in residence halls at the National Sports Complex in Blaine, MN.
  Rates: These rates include camp related fees including instructions and meals
  $349 for those campers driving to Blaine who will be staying at the dorms
  $299 for those campers flying into MSP Airport and will be staying at the dorms
  $249 for those campers who will be commuting to camp daily and will not need to be accommodated in the dorms
  
  Contact Information: All questions or concerns should be directed to:
  u19usawomen@usarugby.org
  
  Registration Form: http://www.usarugby.org/media/EDocs/eaglecamp.pdf
  
  To register mail/fax to:
  U19 Women Eagles Flight Camp
  2500 Arapahoe Ave, Suite 200
  Boulder, CO 80302
  Fax: 303-539-0311
  u19usawomen@usarugby.org
  
  
• Jen's Gym, Old School Fitness
  
  I am an avid reader of her blog and wanted to pass it along...here is the latest email from her as well:
  
  Thanks for reading and looking! Crossfit is a load of fun and it's hard as hell. check out
  www.crossfitcentral.com in your area. It is awesome training for rugby. Tom who owns Crossfit DC is also a Rugby coach, So we get a lot of players in class. I would love to try it but I can't afford anymore head injuries!!!
  Jen

• Take Mockingbird Lane exit from I-75
• Travel West on Mockingbird (if it turns into a tow lane road right by SMU, you are going the wrong way)
• After passing White Rock Lake, Turn right at light on top of bridge onto Buckner
• Park will be on left at corner of Lake Highlands and Buckner
• NOTE: Don't park on the grass at the fields, you'll get towed.

Pre-order your National All Star Championships Tshirts for a savings of $3...

$18 at the Tournament
$15 Pre-Order (pick up at team check-in Thursday night)

Check out the .pdf here to pre-order....

Lone Star 7s
June 2, 2007
Lake Highlands Park Dallas, TX

We are getting closer and closer to the date, so I want to make sure I have the right teams attending. Fil (tournament director) wants to do brackets a few days before, so I'm saying please RESPOND by WED of next week if you are playing or not playing. I need a response either way!

So far I have heard personally from (women's teams):
Philly
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Austin
Denton
Arkansas
Houston

These teams are possibles...let me know ASAP if you are attending.
Las Vegas
Baton Rouge
OU

Once again, NO ENTRY FEE for Women's Teams, but as a fundraiser for the Valks we are having the debutante ball after the men's final. $10 to play and MUST be wearing a dress of some sort.

Also, Austin is hosting Bloodfest 7s on June 23 in Austin. There will be a women's bracket. The Valkyries are having one team for sure and possibly a second.

I can't wait for these two tournaments as they always prove to be a TON of fun! The pub crawls on both of these events are legendary!

Looks like Dallas 7s is going to have some great competition this year...more than it has ever had before!

Not much rugby happening in the inbox these days. Guess everyone is enjoying the summer and the sunshine. I imagine you are gearing up for summer 7s or just taking a good 'ol break.

Check out our re-vamped Satiated Beavers 7s jerseys for purchase at: http://www.zazzle.com/ScooterWE/product/235674179990990827

Outfit your whole team, or just support our team by buying one for you and your friends! Remember if you buy in bulk you get discounts for buying more than one! Pretty sweet deal.

I was hesitant to write about my perspective on the Warm up matches against the Mid West because it was a pretty stressful weekend. But I guess I will get it all out. Remember, this is MY perspective and I can write what I choose.

Since I had to change my travel plans at the last minute I was stuck arriving in Kansas City the morning of training and the first match was later that afternoon. So I got off the early morning flight, jumped in my manager's car and changed on the way to the field. Luckily they had gotten a late start that morning so I wasn't too far behind. As soon as I walked on the pitch though my coach Mark called me over. He explained that they needed me to play fly half for the weekend.

I was floored. I had been training, planning and had tried out as scrumhalf. I took a few minutes to collect myself and then was thrown into the drills. I forgot for awhile while we did some dynamic warm ups, stretching...and as soon as we split into backs and forwards I grabbed a ball and assumed my spot as scrumhalf. Then I remembered that I wouldn't be in my normal spot that weekend. I quickly freaked out again as I didn't know ANY of the plays and then realized that I had done this before and it was going to be OK!

So after training we had a couple of hours to hang out and I spent it going over the plays with Lynelle, Poe and a few other players. The game plan was pretty simple, but I just wanted to make sure I was on the same page as them. As we suited up and I put on the #10 I watched as Marcel from Baton Rouge put on the #9 jersey...I'm not sure why I favor the #9 so much, perhaps because I idolized Mia Hamm as a young soccer player and it was my first rugby position in college about 6 years ago.

The first game was a quick reality check as I remembered what it felt like to get hit by someone going as fast as you! Luckily I have been working on my passing really hard this season so I was able to get the transfer from scrumhalf to inside center as fast as possible. The Mid West was very quick off the mark (some would say offsides the whole game...) and were quick to try and stifle our back plays. Luckily I had some speedy backs and we were able to transfer the ball quickly and do a little evasive running.

We had some great ball movement and support as a team, but were never able to put the finishing touchdown between the posts. We had break over break with great support, but one to many passes, one to many kicks and mistakes were made. The Mid West was able to capitalize on those mistakes and we payed the ultimate price.

The second game on Sunday was at a different pace. For the first half we were able to get them to play our game. We were moving the ball well and were executing our plays with precision. They were still dominating us in the scrums and line outs, but we were very powerful in our rucking and made good decision around the ball. Unfortunately once again we were unable to finish when it counted and the Mid West made things happen because of our mistakes.

Our defense in both games was phenomenal, we had props chasing down wingers and wingers corner-flagging across the whole field to stop breakaways. Over and over again we were on our heels and we were able to stop the attack or at least cause enough pressure that they made mistakes.

Overall the weekend was a great success, as it was great to see old friends and play on the same pitch with them again. Also after a two hour training session and two matches together, you can tell that we have a challenge ahead of us at National All Star Championships. It is the same challenge every year, our local union is SO spread out that we only see each other for hours or days before the match.

Cya all in June.

West 15s All Stars vs Mid West 15s All Stars - May 19 & 20, 2007
Kansas City, KS

I don't have the official scores, but can give estimates...Saturday the Mid West won at least 40-7 and on Sunday the Mid West was victorious again with a score of at least 25-5. The Mid West are the defending champions of the National All Star Championships in 2006. These matches were a warmup match for both teams as this is the first time many of these players have played together.

The scores are not very reflective of the actual rugby on the pitch. On Saturday the Mid West were able to control almost all the set pieces (scrums and line outs) and as a result had the West on their heels most of the match. However the West had great defense and was able to stifle many of the Mid West's long runs. In the long run many of the errors that the West committed were capitalized on by the Mid West.

The Sunday match was a different story though, as the West was able to further stifle the attack of the Mid West. Their fast backs were tackled over and over again. As a result the West backs were the threat of the day, again and again they broke through Mid West's defense but were not able to finish the effort. The Mid West again dominated most of the set pieces, but the West were able to show that they were not intimidated by stealing a few put ins and taking the ball weak often.

All in all both teams played hard and the weekend was a great success. Thanks to the KC Dragons (girls HS team in KS) that helped with the training by setting up all the equipment, a concessions tent, a changing tent and catered our dinner on Saturday night.

Blaine, MN - 6/15 - 6/17/2007
Tier A
		Final		Champion
Midwest (#1)
Mid-Atlantic (#4)
Northeast (#3)
Pacific (#2)
Tier B
		Final		Champion
West (#5)
South (#8)
Southern Cal (#7)
Under 23s (#6)

So a few bloggers have weighed in on this website: http://www.collegerugbyamerica.com

The website is disgusting. It is full of false truths and pretty much says that all "club athletes" are not really athletes. The basic premise of this site in my opinion is a recruiting front for Frank Graziano and his Eastern Illinois Rugby Team.

This is a team that does not participate in USA Rugby or Local Area Union (LAU) events. The coaching staff and players are not allowed to play on USA teams, or Select Side teams. The players are prohibited from socializing with the teams they play and are also prohibited from socializing with local men's teams. I have talked with a few players who are frustrated that they cannot participate in these events. They are constantly told that USA Rugby is wrong, that they don't know anything about rugby etc. I wonder what these girls do when the leave EIU? Could they handle Club rugby? We haven't heard many success stories from EIU lately...

My anger for this team stems from a few different places. They boast that there is no high school rugby in the US and that all club teams are not worthy of their of EIU's status. They claim to be the "only program in the nation designed for the development of future college-rugby student-athletes."

They also claim that they are the creators of the "first women's college rugby team," what the hell did I do for 5 years at the University of Oklahoma? Was I just running around playing a club sport? WRONG. I played for my college, I represented my college at West events, on select side teams, and at many tournaments around the nation. I trained as HARD or HARDER than my "college-athlete students" at my University. My college rugby team experience was amazing and I would never trade it for anything.

They also claim that there is "NO GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY IN THE UNITED STATES." What? There are over 500 girls high school rugby teams in the US according to USA Rugby. Furthermore this website claims that Universities will not support college rugby teams without a grassroots movement from girls high schools. While this is a great idea, we would all loved to have found rugby in high school...it is not true. I hear of new teams all over the nation, and world that start without having a high school team. Also there has been a grass roots movement for Youth Rugby in the US...in fact USA Rugby has people dedicated to this sole idea.

The blasphemy on this site is mind blowing. All the links point directly to NCAA or inter-link within themselves. Basically its all a BIG circle of links trying to convince the visitors of this site to the lies on the pages.

My favorite part is the logo on top that features an Eastern Illinois Rugby Players...sure this isn't a flagrant recruiting tactic of EIU. Right.


One of the saddest things with this whole EIU drama is that these girls are NOT experiencing what rugby is really about. They aren't learning about the songs, the friendships of socializing with the other team, the pride of YOUR number...and so much more. They don't know that if I up and move to San Diego I would have a couch to sleep on. I would have a job in a matter of weeks...because rugby is a family, a community.

They don't get to experience what Sweet 16s, ITTs or a U19 game feels like. They have no idea of the pride of wearing their unions jersey and marching out onto that field. They surely have pride for their own school, but is that enough? I doubt it...

And the adventures begin again tomorrow. I'm heading to Kansas City to train for West All Stars 15s and to play a warm-up match against the Mid West All Star team. I was originally driving, but when my driving partner wasn't able to go, I had to get creative. The cheapest ticket I could find was from Dallas to Kansas City leaving Saturday morning and returning Sunday afternoon.

To make the adventure more complicated, I have been dealing with Palm and my broken phone. The speaker broke in it, so I sent it off to get repaired, and then they said they couldn't repair it. WHAT? You made the mother f'in phone, why can't you fix it? So I sold the broken phone on Ebay, (love that Ebay) and purchased the next model released from Palm. I originally purchased it April 21st and chose 3 Day UPS. Well UPS lost the package and so I called Palm on May 1st or so and told them to send me another one. I still haven't gotten my phone.

So I called in the BIG GUNS, i.e. Traci...because I hate being mean to people on the phone and I usually get so mad I just hang up on them after I called their mom fat or something stupid like that. So Traci got on the phone and got them to send a phone overnight...because she is awesome like that. So the phone is supposed to be here tomorrow.

Why does this all go into the adventure? I am driving to Dallas tomorrow and staying at a house I've never been too, so in case I get lost, having a phone would be awesome! I fly into Kansas at 8:30am Sat, and training begins at 9am. Would be nice to call and have the manager be able to find me at the airport. I also leave Sunday around 3pm and then have to drive from Dallas to Austin...would be nice to have a phone.

So all in all its a big f'in mess and I am never ordering from Palm again. I wanted to do the right thing this time and get a phone with a warranty and all that jazz...but next time I will just stick with Ebay. You are my wonder Ebay!

So wish me luck with the adventure and luck against those corn-fed Mid Westerners...haha jk. We all love corn!

**The pic is from my good friend Vanessa, and it rocks!