What comes to mind when you think of a standout athlete?
Maybe someone who has been playing their sport since kindergarten and has blossomed into a star over a long period of time.
Many great athletes have reached stardom that way, but not Oregon club rugby player Bobby Mulvaney. A freshman from the Chicago area, Mulvaney only began playing rugby in high school, but has already been part of a national team and played on the international stage.
A few of his friends were on the high school team, so he decided to join in the spring of his junior year. With no prior experience, Mulvaney discovered his talent and passion for the sport and decided to pursue rugby. “I fell in love with it,” he said.
It also didn’t take long for his talent to be noticed. After his junior season, he was invited to play with the Illinois All-State team. He played with the team throughout the summer and was invited to try out for the U.S. under-19 team. He made the team and traveled with it this past summer to Northern England and Wales, where he had the chance to play against northern English club teams.
When it came time to choose a college, Mulvaney selected the University of Oregon because it offered the perfect intersection of three things he wanted most: a rugby team, an architecture program, and a “total change of pace from Chicago.”
He feels his transition has been smooth so far. Mulvaney is the youngest of five children, so the idea of leaving home was nothing new. “I kind of knew what to expect,” he said.
Coming from a large family, he has lots of support to help him cope when challenges arise.
“My family is pretty much supportive of everything, as long as it’s the right thing to do,” he said, also expressing gratitude for the support of his teammates.
While the transition from high school to college has not been too dramatic, he does recognize some differences.
“The intensity is definitely a little bit higher,” he said with regard to the pace of a college rugby game.
Team coordinator David Hoffenberg was quick to note that, despite being in his first year, Mulvaney’s impact on the team can be felt.
“He’s already become a captain on the field,” he said.
“He’s strong in all areas,” added sophomore Bronz Kaae. Hoffenberg and Kaae both noted that Mulvaney’s intensity on the field and knowledge of the game has encouraged the whole team to play harder.
However, the faster pace isn’t only found on the field. Juggling classes and rugby hasn’t been impossible, but Mulvaney frequently has to rush from class to a practice that is already in progress.
But don’t mistake his hectic schedule with an inability to enjoy his new surroundings.
“I’m having a great time,” Mulvaney said. In addition to playing rugby, he is a member of the Inside Architecture freshman interest group and is focusing on completing his business minor.
Even though things are falling into place nicely for Mulvaney so far, he isn’t slowing down. Next month he will travel to Tempe, Ariz. and try out for the U.S. under-20 rugby team. If he makes it, he’ll travel to Kenya in April for the Junior World Cup, a three-week tournament featuring the under-20 teams from many different countries.
Success has come quickly, but Mulvaney is careful not to take it for granted. Even though Oregon has an 0-4 record, he remains hopeful that they can make a successful playoff run.
While Mulvaney has quickly become a great rugby player, he has not become jaded. Ask him his favorite part of being a member of the Oregon team, and his response is simple: “I get the chance to keep playing rugby.”
As a member of the club team, he gets to keep learning about the game and network with his teammates.
Mulvaney doesn’t complicate the issue of why he plays rugby. Rather than worry about making a national team or winning every game, Mulvaney continues to play for one reason: “It’s just that fun of a game.”
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