Rugby is the predecessor of American football, so if you’re familiar with that game then you may recognize a few similarities. There are a few major differences, though:

• There is no forward passing, ever, by any player, under any circumstances. Period.
• The clock doesn’t stop, even if there’s a tackle or an incomplete pass. We keep playing.
• Any player can pass, receive passes, kick, run, tackle, be tackled, or score; but the whole team has to work together as a unit if they want any chance of success.
• We don’t wear helmets or big shoulder pads. Even the mouthguard is optional in rugby.

The best way to get a feel for rugby is to play it, though you can still learn a lot by watching. If you can, drop by our Spring Fever tournament, one of our other matches, or one of our practices. If not, then there are plenty of other gay clubs that can help get you into the best sport on earth.

Our weekend kicks off with a meet ‘n’ greet party at Just John from 6-9pm Friday.

Matches will take place from 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday at Buder Park in Valley Park, MO. If you’ve ever been to a rugby tournament, then you know this event is not to be missed. And if this is your first rugby tournament, be prepared to see eight teams and over two hundred rough and dirty guys from around the country fighting tooth and nail for pride, glory, and the coveted Spring Fever Cup!

Then after the matches, join us for the third half at JJ’s where you can party like a rugger! $10 gets you food and beer from 6-9pm or until we run out.

See you this weekend!

Foster was a great rugger and an even better friend. His memory is with us whenever we gather, and we are forever grateful for the time we spent with him on and off the pitch. We will always be “with you”, Foster, and we still love and miss you dearly.

If you would like to help us honor Foster’s memory, please support the following causes as you are able:

Courtney Memorial Scholarship c/o Culver-Stockton College

The Courtney Memorial Scholarship account was something that Foster was working on as part of his overall end-of-life planning. It will ultimately support a needs-based scholarship for a business student at the College. Please contact Eric Barkley in the Culver Advancement Office at 573-288-6463 for more information.

Mid-America Transplant Services

Foster gave us many gifts when he was here, including his humor, warmth, kindness, and athletic ability. His final gift was as an organ donor.

Finally, we know that Foster left a mark on many people and organizations, and not only through his time as a Crusader. We would be honored if you’d share your memories of him with us, either through a comment or via e-mail.

Here are the results from tournament play.

Preliminary round

• Nashville Grizzlies 17 — Columbus Coyotes 5
• Madison Minotaurs 20 — Charlotte Royals 0
• Chicago Dragons 12 — St. Louis Crusaders 5

First round

Based on points scored, Madison (#1 seed) and Nashville (#2) earned first-round byes.

• #4 St. Louis Crusaders 15 — #5 Columbus Coyotes 7
• #3 Chicago Dragons 46 — #6 Charlotte Royals 26

Second round

• Madison Minotaurs 32 — St. Louis Crusaders 12
• Chicago Dragons 19 — Nashville Grizzlies 17

Elimination round

• Nashville Grizzlies 22 — Columbus Coyotes 14
• Charlotte Royals 20 — St. Louis Crusaders 0

St. Louis and Columbus eliminated

Third-place match

Nashville Grizzlies 35 — Charlotte Royals 22

Championship match

Chicago Dragons 21 — Madison Minotaurs 0

Final standings

1. Chicago Dragons (4-0) — winners of the Golden Paddle
2. Madison Minotaurs (2-1) — winners of the Silver Paddle
3. Nashville Grizzlies (2-1) — winners of the Princess Paddle
4. Charlotte Royals (1-3)
5. St. Louis Crusaders (1-3)
6. Columbus Coyotes (0-3)

Congratulations to the Dragons on their victory, to all the teams for a fine showing, and to the Crusaders’ newest Zulu warriors, Terrence Murphy, Terrence “BT” Stokes (our Man of the Tournament), and John Payne!

Special thanks for the weekend go to the Missouri RFU; Sunday Morning RFC; Team St. Louis; our food-tent guru, Karen Miofsky; our medic, TJ; and our referees, Christopher Roussin and Joey Brakefield.

We are honored that so many of our IGRAB brothers came out for our first tournament! Stay tuned for details on Spring Fever 2013….

Check out the details!

See you there!

UPDATE: We’re staying in Forest Park for the time being. Sorry about the confusion!

We’ll practice rain or shine, even if it’s cold, and even if the pitch is muddy, so be sure to dress appropriately.

See you there!