Cedarville’s most Passionate Sport: Club Rugby

By Danielle Cherry

A circle of blue and yellow moves in unison across the grassy soccer-length field.

“Oooh ole ole; ole tiki tonga; a wasa wasa wasa; oooh aliyah aliyah aliyah”

Excitement is tangible in the air as the team echoes the chant, quietly at first, almost an unheard whisper in the field. Then, a singular scream penetrates the atmosphere, and a cry rises up from the team. Bouncing off of each other and jumping with all their might, the Cedarville men’s rugby team enters the field, ready to face their opponent. 

The chant adapted from the Algonquin Tomahawk tribe was brought in by this year’s new president, Allister Jones, as a way of getting the team in the right mindset. Adrenaline now pumping, the team buzzes with energy, prepared to summon the strength and courage to run and deck someone, with the love of Christ, of course. 

Cedarville club sports like volleyball are well known throughout campus, but what about rugby? Founded in 2009, the team has grown from having five consistent players to now 20 over the course of the past year under the leadership of Jones, Dominick Helmig (chaplain/captain), Elliot Murat (captain) and Gabe Payne (captain).

“I went to the first practice and absolutely loved it, and the camaraderie was great,” Jones said.  

Rain or shine, the team’s cries can be heard from the field. Though the sport appears complicated and dangerous, it has a way of bringing people together, and this has been the case for Cedarville’s team. 

“Ultimately, it’s really simple: you just pass the ball backwards and just run around and try to get past someone,” Jones said. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s not as technical as
people think.”

Rugby play never stops. Points are scored from touching the ball in the end line or allowing one player to drop kick the ball into the field goal. To spice up the nature of the game, the ball has to be passed backward, causing the team to move in a linear fashion. 

“You’re always continuing the play. It requires a lot of effort,” Helmig said. “They’re dedicating all hours of the day to working out so that they can be physically fit.”

Playing on a club team is difficult. The team struggles to find a coach because there is little recognition, leaving it to the team to decide when and how to practice. The rugby team is on their own to create their own schedule, having nothing set like the varsity sports do. 

Most of all, the struggle is with publicity. Rugby is always lost in the spotlight of the American counterpart: football. Despite its rigorous and fast-paced nature, most people are unaware of the sport’s existence. 

“It definitely is hard because we don’t have as much money, and we need a lot of money for rugby if we want to become better,” Helmig said.

Helmig and Jones are sophomores who have only played collegiate rugby for one year. Jones was voted into the role of president after previously playing tennis, while Helmig entered the sport with football experience. Both come in as leaders and learners. 

“The team has a lot of freshmen,” Jones said. “90% of our team is freshmen and sophmores.” 

All fairly new to the game, practices consist of Jones teaching rules, physical training and learning specific tackling techniques. The only problem with the training regiment is the team’s lack of equipment needed to be most effective. 

Heat mists off sweaty, smiling faces while the rugby team squelches through the mud. Their love for the sport doesn’t stop them from practicing, even when the weather is miserable. 

“It was absolutely pouring outside. I was debating canceling the practice, but it was the most fun ever. You probably couldn’t even recognize us,” Jones said. “We were so muddy, but I will say rugby in the worst conditions possible is the most fun.”

Despite a new team, lack of recognition, a small amount of money and a new beginning, victories abound for the club team.

“We beat Purdue last year, 30 nothing. We were really on a high because that was our first tournament playing a D1 level,” Helmig said.

An exciting match awaited the rugby team in 2024 on September 21 while at Geneva University. This game was vital in keeping the morale of the players high, as well as keeping them on the team. A loss would mean a drop in players, but a victory would only bring them closer. 

“We ended up beating them 64-12. It was so fun, especially the ride back with the guys. We were all thinking like, man, we’re a team now,” Jones said. 

Growing up in Wales, Jones watched rugby his whole life, but never played. Pursuing a career in tennis, Jones went to nationals and rose to the top of his sport, but there was something beastly in rugby that drew his attention. His position as fly-half gives him the unique ability to be commander and chief of his team, ordering attacks and kicking the ball. 

“There’s something special about the physical aspect of a sport like rugby where it’s almost like you have a respect for the guy you’re tackling and your teammate next to you,” Jones said. “It takes a certain amount of courage and bravery to get out there with no pads on and run full speed into someone.” 

Helmig found himself on the other side of the coin. He was certain of his future in the industry after playing football through sixth to twelfth grade. Deemed too small in the eyes of football professionals, Helmig pursued other options. After persistent recruiting efforts from the club team, Helmig landed on rugby.

“Size doesn’t matter in rugby. Even if you’re small, you can make a big impact on your team,” Helmig said. “I play winger, I’m fast, and I like to pride myself on that.”

The team began moving in a new direction, both physically and spiritually. As the team’s chaplain, Hemig is responsible for praying and keeping the team’s focus on Christ. 

“We noticed our team wasn’t really focused on God,” Helmig said. “I’m really trying to bring back the focus of everything we do to the honor of God. We’re watched in all our actions, even in the little things.”

Right now the team looks forward to beginning a new season, full of fresh faces and exciting new memories to behold. Funding and recognition are the biggest issues for the team, but currently the team is raising funds to get new uniforms. More information can be found on their Instagram: “curugby.” 

Rain or shine the team can be found on the intramural field across from Lawler hall. Anyone interested in playing rugby can join the team on Tuesdays and Thursdays not only giving you a taste of the rugby buzz, but also be an encouragement to the team while pushing them to work harder.

From 5:30-6:30 shouts of joy will be heard, as the club team prepares to climb the ranks to become Cedarville’s most passionate sport.

Danielle Cherry is a freshman Communications major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves a good cup of coffee.

Photos provided by Ian Chan and Kennedy Clark