Tony DiMaio of the Rappahannock Rugby Club asks for tape to bandage a cut so he can get back into the team's game against West Potomac. View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Local ruggers try, try again

New rugby team provides fun on the field and off

Date published: 10/17/2005

A CRISP BLUE SKY marks the afternoon of the game. Men gather at the field, greeting teammates as the lines are painted and pads are placed around the goal posts.

A few men take the field and begin to toss the ball back and forth in an underhand throw. Others join in, taking turns and running down the ball after it is punted.

The team is gathering not for football or soccer. Two teams of 15 men have made their way to the field for a Saturday-afternoon game of rugby.

This fall marks the first official season of the Rappahannock Rugby Club in Fredericksburg. Part of the Potomac Rugby Union and USA Rugby, the team uses Falmouth Field near Falmouth Waterfront Park.

"Most places don't have a field this large or facilities this good," says Jeff Frankston, the match secretary for the team.

Getting the Fredericksburg-Stafford Park Authority's approval to use the field, or pitch, was a key to joining the Potomac Rugby Union. To become an official member, teams must have a field, a minimum of 15 men to play and provide a social for both teams after the game.

The first season will consist of nine games against teams from Washington, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. This sunny Saturday, the team gathers to compete against the West Potomac Rugby Football Club.

Once 15 players from the Rappahannock club arrive, the team gathers for a quick warm-up, running a lap of the field and stretching. They make their final preparations of changing into their uniforms and taping old injuries, then group together to rally for the game.

The ages of the men who play on the Rappahannock Rugby Club range from 18 to 47. While most played in college, those new to rugby are invited to join, as well. There are hopes of beginning a women's team in the spring.

"We'll take anybody," club President Joey Pendergrast says of the growing squad. "If they can make the practices and the games, they're in."

"They see how much fun it is," Frankston says of those who join the club. "There's no cliques or anything like that. The game's a lot of fun."

"Rappahannock!" the huddled team yells. They grab one last drink of water and take the field against West Potomac.

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Date published: 10/17/2005