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Men's rugby off to a good start
by Patricia Donahue
Exchange Writer

     This past Sunday September 17, 2006 the Franklin Pierce Rugby Club beat UMass Amherst in their first scrimmage 36-10.

     Last year in the spring 2006 season the men's rugby team had more losses than wins. With a record of six losses and three wins the rugby club has room for improvement. "There is a lot of potential this season; we have a lot of dedicated players and a great coach," said John Dillon, a junior in the club.  Coach Eric Bourque came to help out the club this year and will also be helping with the women's rugby team.

     Patrick Gaffney, a senior, thought of the idea to start the club last year. With help from others on campus including staff and students the club was finally recognized and the men's rugby club became part of the New England Football Rugby Union.
 
     The men's rugby club is kicking off this year with a good start. "This is a year of rebuilding," said Matt Clerkin, a junior in the club. "Scrimmages are the best way to improve, we are a new club and we learn from others that we play against," said Clerkin.  This team was put together by students and is student funded, their uniforms and transportation is fundraised throughout the year in different events.

     Because the sport isn't very popular in the United States and because it is dangerous, Franklin Pierce College does not to acknowledge it as an actual team.  Because the club is not recognized by the school they get no financial support.

     Even though it's such a new club to the campus the men's rugby has acquired many fans, whenever there is a rugby match either home or away rugby fans are there. This past Sunday there were fans lined all around the upper field as the game was being played.  The first game of the season is this Saturday September 23, 2006 at and against Stonehill College.