Wednesday, August 18, 1976
University Daily Kansan
7
in the air of Spani for you get
Rugby team's strategy includes education
By STEVE CLARK
Sports Writer
Rugby is a sport with an identity crisis. Actually, Rugby is a fast-paced, hard-hitting game that resembles football. And that's where the problem begins.
Rugby is similar to—but different enough from—football to contact just about anyone not familiar with it. And sometimes even those who are.
There's the story told by a Jayhawk rugger that he played the game for three
weeks before he knew what was going on.
That, possibly, is an exaggeration, but the rules do differ from the game that made Green Bay famous.
For example, any player may carry the ball. For wards pass are illegal. Blocking is
Rugby is KU's most misunderstood sport
Staff photo
forbiddent. The players wear no protective padding. There are 15 players to a side. Halves are 40 minutes long. And that's just a sample.
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Aware of this problem, the KU Rugby Club is preparing handouts concerning the rules of the game. These handouts will be sent to spectators at each home game.
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Rugby has English roots and is a popular national sport in Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and is growing in popularity in the United States.
In addition, club members not participating in the games will be available on the sidelines to answer any questions about the action on the field.
KU is a member of the Heart of America Rugby Football Union. The Union is made up of teams from Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas. The association was formed in 1967 and had grown to a total of 33 official members.
That win helped KU compile a 7-5 record during the fall.
KU was a fall and spring schedule, both of which include tournaments. The Jayhawks used to travel to Aspen, Colo., for the Aspen visit, and the sponsors phased out college teams.
Now the autumn months are highlighted by the Heart of America tournament in Kansas City, Mo., attended yearly by more than 40 squads.
Also in the fall, KU and Kansas State University battle for the First Lady of Kansas Cup. KU won the inaugural contest 17-7 and was presented the traveling award by Olivia Bennett, wife of Gov. Robert F. Bennett.
Between semesters members of KU's team combined with players from the Topeka Rugby Club and traveled to a Mardi Gras in Oceans, where they were one of 60 teams.
KU reeled off seven straight wins to open the spring schedule before squaring off against K-State in the finals of the Big Eight meet in Lawrence.
The game has been called "the sport of madness" and the demotion to RUGGY page 11
Hopes for a second consecutive conference crown were crushed by a surprising Wildcat club. The loss began a late season win, the Jayhawks finish 9-4 and 16-11 overall.
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