Coming into the new season, it feels like nobody believes in Oregon men’s club rugby.

In a preseason poll ranking the top rugby programs in the nation, several teams from the Northwest Collegiate Rugby Conference placed highly on the list. Oregon, which ended up losing last year in the conference championship game, wasn’t even mentioned, meaning the team fell outside the top 30.

“I feel like we got snubbed,” team captain Travis Cutler said. “Everyone has to let it eat at them, have a chip on their shoulder.”

Placing ahead of the Ducks were both rival Washington and Washington State — a surprise after Oregon performed well against both last year.

Rather than dwell on the perception surrounding the team, the Ducks hope that they can prove the doubters wrong out on the pitch this season. In the fall, they play 7s, which is a more frenetic version of the sport.

“It’s an agility and endurance game rather than the ground and pound of 15s,” team coordinator Connor Crossley said. “That is why it’s coming to the 2016 Olympics because its an exciting game to watch.”

The style of play fits Oregon, as the team is very athletic this year with speed at every position. Oregon’s tenacity and fearlessness in making big plays also makes up for its lack of size.

Many of the faces from last year are back, as the team only lost two seniors to graduation. Oregon’s goal is to keep a fun mentality during practices and games without ever compromising its competitive edge. This has resulted in everyone on the team working hard.

In addition to a strong work ethic, chemistry for the Ducks is at an all-time high.

“This is one of the tightest families I’ve ever had,” Crossley said. “I’ve made so many strong friendships.”

Mixing in with the veterans are many new players who have all looked impressive in the early going. Oregon rugby doesn’t cut anyone from the squad, which results in large numbers of willing participants who want to learn to get better while helping the team win.

“Seeing the numbers out for practice has been awesome,” Crossley said. “During one of our Captain’s practices, which is informal, we had 30 guys show up. That is unprecedented for this club.”

For junior Lucas Silveira, who transferred to Oregon this year, the team has been nothing but welcoming.

“They always have something going on,” Silveira said. “It’s really easy getting together with the guys.”

The match to circle on the schedule is the final game of the year: a showdown against rugby powerhouse Central Washington. Last year, the Ducks were blown out in the championship game 79-0, a final score that still stings.

“I’ve got to prove to myself, and I think we have to prove that we can hang with a team like that,” Cutler said. “Our goal is to play our game and not back down from anything or anyone.”

So, despite all the negative rankings and outside chatter, right now the Ducks are only focused on themselves.

“We drive each other all the time,” Cutler said. “Respect and trust — that’s all we need.”