Newsletter 10/1 - Beginning of 15’s season and club update
Hello BRFC Family! Welcome back to our newsletter, which I will be trying to send out after every game and whenever there is a notable club update. I’m going to try to keep them in a similar format to how they were in the spring, but feel free to let me know if you want to see anything different with a quick email to hsvigals@bates.edu.
For starters, before I get on to the game recaps, I would like to extend a massive thanks from Bates Rugby to everyone who donated in the FBA Giving Challenge in May. We raised over $5,000 dollars, which we can use for a variety of things such as new equipment, transportation and hotel costs, and various other things that the club may need (not party supplies, don’t worry!). This money will be incredibly useful for the club, and we are very appreciative that we have the resources we have to help our club thrive.
Another important update we are very proud to announce is that the women’s rugby team is back! We have announced this before on our Instagram, and they have been vocal about spreading the word, but I’m still putting it here in case you haven’t heard. They are still working on building up the foundations behind the scenes, so they aren’t playing any games this season, but they are on track to play in the spring. Interest is also very high, with about as many members as the men’s team as of right now. We are working on potentially incorporating them onto our website, but for now, you can follow them on Instagram at @bateswomensclubrugby. If any women’s rugby alumni would like to reach out to them, feel free to send them a DM.
Our first match was on Sunday, September 15th against UMaine Farmington, and although it ended in a tie, we see it as a very successful day. For many of our starters, it was their first rugby game ever, and although there were mistakes and learning opportunities, they picked it up very well and played like hell.
On Saturday, we hosted UNE for what was officially a scrimmage, since they didn’t have enough players to have a full side. We lent them some players on rotation, which although not ideal, allowed all of our players to get lots of playing time, which doesn’t always happen on a roster of 25-30 in a normal 15’s game. We were very high scoring, but more importantly we got some great work in on our patterns of play, which are coming together very nicely. Our rookies also played incredibly, with first-years George Drake and Fernando Hokello each achieving hattricks and many other freshmen getting tries. It was also great having a crowd from Back to Bates Weekend watching the game, and they provided a tremendous atmosphere. We are looking forward to playing at Bentley on October 11th, so if you are in the area be sure to come out and show your support!
Last spring, we had planned on hosting an alumni game, but due to various complications and not enough alumni, we had to cancel it, but I am happy to announce that we are planning on hosting it sometime this fall. We are still working out details, but most importantly, we want to find a time that works best for you, so be sure to fill out the Google Form attached at the end of this letter.
Thanks for your support of Bates Rugby! Be sure to check out the rest of the website, as well as our socials which are linked. If you have any suggestions or questions about the club (or just want to chat!), please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Hudson Svigals
Alumni Liaison
hsvigals@bates.edu
Alumni Game Availability form: https://forms.gle/bkUiUXbRBYu3NT6RA
