Rugby is a great game and I am really happy that your son has taken up the sport or is considering it.

 

Several characteristics differentiate Rugby from traditional American sports, primarily the fact that players make strategic and tactical decisions during the match and work together to organize themselves to adapt to the fast, rapidly changing game. Limited substitutions, absence of time-outs, and continuous play ensure decision-making and leadership must be undertaken by the players. This intense environment develops tough men who can think on their feet.

 

Rugby is different in that it is inclusive, social and promotes good sportsmanship and camaraderie with the opposing team. Rugby has positions for men of all sizes from small and skinny to tall and strong to short and stout. Players also get to perform all the skills of passing, running, kicking and tackling. The team does not cut players from the roster. The game itself is the cut and if someone is tough enough to play, he'll be on the team. In our experience this is an exclusive group that has the toughness and resolve to commit to playing a competitive collegiate sport.

 

The players, coaches and administration promote a culture of competitive rugby only after taking care of business in the classroom and achieving academic success. The priorities of faith, family, academics and then athletics are preached and practiced on the team. The Colorado State club sports staff helps coaches and team leaders monitor and assist students who struggle with the tough Colorado State curriculum.

 

The university also supplies student trainers who are overseen by a certified athletic trainer. The trainers support the team, in performance optimization through "pre-hab" injury prevention. They are also there to help with the bumps, bruises and strains that inevitably occur in Rugby along with evaluating injuries that need further medical attention. Trainers supply a list of players who should stay out of contact at practice or games, so that the players are protected from themselves and their usual desire to play through injuries. Rugby as a sport has more bangs and bruises due to the lack of padding but has less severe injuries on a statistical basis than football and hockey and is more on par with basketball and wrestling according to a recent study.

 

The student-run team is a campus club sport and supplies the field equipment, practice supplies and travel funds through their own pockets and fund-raising. All six coaches are volunteers.

 

With all this in mind, the team could use your support, especially by supporting the team at matches, buying Colorado State Ram Rugby gear up to volunteering your time to help with fund-raising and organization. Tax-exempt donations to the team go directly to the team account administered through CSU. Please see the donations page for more information on how to donate.

 

We are very happy your son is considering or playing Colorado State University Men’s Rugby. We aim to round out his college experience and leave him with fond memories and many friends that he will cherish for a lifetime.