Since 1969, with only a couple of breaks in between, the Club Rugby team has been highlighted as one of the great sports clubs at St. Edward’s University. With a long tradition under its belt, the rugby club looks to continue to make its presence felt on campus and in competitive play. 

Over the past three years the rugby team has compiled an impressive 50-4-2 record. This recent success started under head coach Lachlan Ferguson, who in his first year led the team to become 2010-2011 Texas Rugby Union DIII State Champions. Lachlan is trying to build a team that can both win and develop a close bond. 

Nikolai Solow, rugby club president, feels that the team is like a family.

“Like most sports, it’s a place where you could meet a lot of friends,” said Solow.

This close-knit group has a willingness to fight and push through the brutality of rugby together, according to Solow. 

 “We go on trips together and we also room together,” said Solow.

Yet just being a team that is bonded by friendships is not what makes this team great. The team also practices together and pushes through the pain, bruises and broken bones, all of which are part of the game. The team practices three times a week and have games on Saturdays.

This year the team has yet to lose a club match, and is aiming to make a run at being the National Small College Rugby Champions. This past weekend the team clinched the number one seed going into the State Championship playoffs.

“We want to increase our visibility on and off campus,” Merchandise Chair Jordan Crain said. 

Even more impressive is the team does not receive any scholarship money like NCAA athletes do. Also, players are in charge of finding coaches and running everyday operations.

The team is well on their way to increasing its visibility. Its annual alumni dinner was held on Feb. 7. Past and current players met to reminisce about the history of the team. There are also plans to host an Evening on the Hilltop on Feb. 25 for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in playing on the rugby team at St. Edwards. With the team gaining popularity and coming off an 88-0 win, the team looks to build off its recent success.

Success can be attributed to a couple of things, according to player Harrison Cummings.

“A lot of the success from the club can be attributed to Lachlan Ferguson and his coaching and expertise,” said Cummings. “Along with the hard work put in by every member affiliated with the club.”

The hard work will hopefully lead to continued success. The best way to keep up with the Rugby team is to follow them on Twitter @SEUFC.