If you think that rugby players are a bunch of beer-swilling, bong-hitting partiers, you are wrong, Oregon rugby co-
coordinator Kevin Holmquist said.
“There has been a misconception in the United States, through films like ‘Tommy Boy’, that rugby is a partying, drinking, stupid game,” Holmquist said. “That perception only exists in America.”
“Rugby is the ultimate gentleman’s game.”
Team functions aren’t parties, Holmquist, but more formal “shirt and tie” dinners.
These dinners are a rugby tradition. After every game the Ducks play this year they
will sit down for a friendly yet formal postgame meal with the opposing team.
“It’s about having a certain amount of respect for the game, the heritage and the people you just competed against,” said Holmquist. “What happens between the white lines of the field stays there.”
The Ducks step even further away from typical American rugby with their style of play. American rugby, co-coordinator Kyle McKenzie said, is more structured than the
international style of play. Where
American rugby leans more towards the rigid structure of American football, international rugby leans more towards the
free-flowing style of soccer.
“Rugby is a soccer-football mix,” McKenzie said. “There are plays, but you always have the freedom to improvise on those plays. I think that mixing in that overseas culture gives us a completely different style of play. One that’s faster. One where you use your head more.”
This style has been implemented in the Oregon program by second-year coach Pate
Tuisue. Tuisue is a native of Fiji, rugby is the national sport. He was a member of
the Fiji high school national championship team.
“He teaches more about team play than structure, knowing exactly what each person is going to do just by practicing with them and knowing how they play the game,” Holmquist said. “Rather than having the coach say ‘this is what we’re going to do’, he wants us to get to know each other and each unique style of play.”
The Ducks hope to improve upon last year’s two-win season with a group of more experienced players than they’ve had in the past.
“We actually have quite a few guys this year who have played before, which really shows the growth of the sport on the youth league and high school levels,” Holmquist said. “That’s been really good for us because it takes a lot less time to teach and we can just hit the ground running.”
Among the returning players is senior flanker Michael Estis. With the departure of last year’s starting hooker Noah Evans, Estis takes on the role of the team’s hardest hitting player.
“He’s definitely been known to inflict some pain,” Holmquist said of Estis.
Another key piece to this year’s team is senior fullback Joey Latteri. He kicks all the punts, extra points and kickoffs for the Ducks, and brings five years of high school and college rugby experience to the field.
“Joey brings a strong sense of leadership and knowledge to the team,” Holmquist said.
Rugby practices are 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, at Riverfront Field and anyone interested is encouraged to come take part.
“It’s the ultimate team game,” Holmquist said. “Anybody can play. Big or small, fast or slow, as long as you show up every day with a work ethic and a desire to win.”
The Ducks open their non-league schedule against Oregon Rugby Sports Union, Oct. 21 in Portland.