What sport is played in nearly every country, involves hard tackling, rucks, scrums and mauls? Give up? This is the sport of rugby.

Though at first glance the sport seems to be a brutal, unorganized, smashmouth form of football, it has its own exciting factors that take it to the next level. The main difference between rugby from any other sport is the lack of pads, play stoppage and timeouts and the limits on substitutions.

These being removed make for a great game of strength and endurance. This club sport is played all over the world including in almost every college in America. With the level of competition where it is, the Lee rugby team made its mark last year by making it to the sweet sixteen of the Division Three National Championship.

Three of their biggest games last year came from bigger schools such as Emory, Tennessee Tech, and Mississippi State; they beat all three on their road toward nationals. The season does not technically start until spring, but the rugby team has some games lined up in October to get some practice in. These games include Chattanooga’s men’s team, UT Martin, and Lee’s rival Sewanee. The team would love a fan base on the sidelines to cheer them on.

Already this year the team has seen major improvements amongst its players. For the first time in the history of the team, the current rugby team beat the Lee Alumni team in their annual game. They won by a single point, which was a huge moral boost for the entire team. The players have high expectations for this season.

Since the team is a club sport they are open to new players year-round. Veterans and first time players alike are welcome at any rugby practice.