A sport once known to be played by mostly men is now open to women and is making its way to women in Auburn.
Auburn Women's Rugby Club opened its recruitment to find those interested in learning the game of rugby and most of all those who just want to have a good time.
The club was granted provisional status by the Auburn Student Government Association and will seek an official vote to receive full club status Nov. 2.
"We want to let people know that you do not have to have any experience to join our club," said Mary Ann Reynolds, vice president of the women's rugby club. "The whole point of our club is to introduce rugby to the South and show girls that they can play and it's a lot of fun."
According to usarugby.org, rugby is a sport which is known as the forerunner to the American style of football that is more commonly played today.
Rugby began in the U.S. in 1870 and has seen about 40 percent of all players in the U.S. as women.
"It tends to be described as a mix between soccer, football and basketball," Reynolds said.
Reynolds said the game is based on 15 players and a backward passing game with physical contact such as tackling where each team plays both offense and defense.
Women's rugby club President Danielle O'Mahoney, said her interest began in rugby by just watching her guy friends play and then scrimmaging with them because there was not an all-women's group.
It was there she met Reynolds and decided to encourage Auburn women to play the sport too and begin their own club.
"I wanted to join a sport that could get me into shape," Reynolds said. "It just kind of snowballed; I went out to one practice and just fell in love."
O'Mahoney spent last summer traveling across the U.S. to train and learn the game which she found out has many social aspects as well.
"Once you meet someone who plays rugby you are immediately friends because you have that in common," O'Mahoney said.
Even though rugby involves tackling, Reynolds said the game has more to offer, and those who are interested should just come and play in the next practice.
"The reason why people are hesitant is because of the contact," Reynolds said. "They don't think they have the strength or aggression to tackle someone; it's not all about tackling."
Elena Hermans, match secretary, said she joined the rugby club after just coming to one practice and meeting the girls who were in the club.
"The girls are amazing and it's a lot of fun; it's like our own little sorority," Hermans said.
The club practices on the "pitch," which is the field across from the fraternity houses FarmHouse and Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
"It's not just a sport, but a whole culture," Reynolds said. "We all have a good time, and if you're looking for some awesome friends and want to stay in shape, this is definitely where you want to be."
For students interested in learning more about or possibly joining the Auburn Women's Rugby Club, Reynolds said to check out a practice and to visit the team's Facebook page by searching for Auburn Women's Rugby.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
