This article was originally published in the September 26, 2008 issue of the Lewis Flyer.

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The Lewis University Rugby Club have put on their striped jerseys in anticipation of the fall season. The team of 20 has been busy practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Chicago Blaze’s nearby field in Lemont and is set to face off against other local clubs as well as nearby universities like Illinois State in the weeks ahead.

“The real thing that is important is our spring session,” said Ryan Bulfin, a graduate assistant for television operations and is in charge of the Rugby Club at Lewis. “We will be officially recognized by CARFU – the Chicago Area Rugby Football Union – where we’ll play against other schools.” Northwestern, Loyala and DePaul are just a few of the other schools that make up the CARFU.

“We wanted to organize the fall season as recruiting and training,” Bulfin explained. The Club only has the bare minimum number of members needed to field a team. “We are just making the cut. It is tough because we are pretty new.”

The team certainly understands the tough task waiting ahead on the field. “We’re playing against schools that have had rugby traditions for years. We are [the underdogs] but it is a good undertaking. I really want to get a proud rugby tradition started at Lewis, and so do the other guys on the team,” Bulfin explained.

The Rugby Club is in the midst of recruiting and is open to all male students, resident or commuter. Bulfin was quick to emphasize that no experience was needed.

“It doesn’t matter how big you are. I’m a skinny guy. People should understand that position-wise you are matched up against someone your size.”

The small size of the club has created many playing opportunities. “Everyone gets to play. No one sits out, everyone gets great playing time,” Bulfin said.

“It’s a good outlet for people who want to do something physical, it’s good exercise. There’s really no better way to get in shape,” said Bulfin.

But beyond serving as a way to keep up one’s health, Bulfin pointed out the social aspects of the game. “Rugby is a very social game. After each game guys get together, congratulate each other on a game well played, make some new friends, and then we grill and have some fun. There’s some great comradery.”

Students interested in the Rugby Club should send an e-mail to bulfinry@lewisu.edu or find the ‘Lewis University Rugby’ Facebook group.