The men’s rugby team began its intense practices in Tempe for the first of its many upcoming tasks: Saturday's tournament.
With such a big roster, Coach Gary Lane views this tournament as more of a scrimmage than anything. Lane described this tournament as “who is going to make the squad type tournament.” In this tournament, Lane will be subbing people in and out and taking a look at different combinations.
Saturday’s tournament was used as a training tool for the Pac-12 7’s tournament being held at University of California, Los Angeles in November.
The team looks to rank up-top the rankings this year. Photo by Evan Triantafilidis.The 2012-13 season is the first of its kind. The agreement of five different Pac-12 teams earlier this year made this league possible and Pac-12 affiliation was granted.
The tenth ranked Sun Devils hope to remain a national threat as the season continues. Lane says, “to finish in the top two of the Pac-12 would be one of our main goals this year.”
To those not familiar with the game of rugby, rugby 7’s is a variant of the original game of rugby. The 15 players on the field is lowered to seven and the game time is shorter as well.
Rugby 7’s has gained popularity throughout the world and has finally made its way to the International Olympic Committee and they have approved the sport for the 2016 olympics.
The eight less players in this type of rugby make for a more action filled game, and Lane is confident in his players making a run at a national championship this year.
“I think the fellas are realistic with how well we can do, ” Lane says.
ASU rugby will only continue to grow with the addition of Pac-12 conference recognition and a roster big enough for three different teams. Their journey to the top is deserving of a season-long spotlight.
You can reach me at etrianta@asu.edu
