A Sisterhood Built in Scrums
From an outside perspective, the women’s club rugby team has a cult-like bond. Other organizations that come to mind are the business fraternities, Boxing Club, Barkada or Into The Wild. This reputation isn’t a bad one; if anything, it’s admirable and represents the immense love and commitment those within the organization have for what they are doing. Rugby at Santa Clara has always been so unique and exciting that every rugby player you talk to can't stop ranting and raving about it.
“Rugby was one of the first places on campus I wanted to be a part of,” said freshman Ruth Jafa. “I have learned that women’s rugby is not just a sport, it is a sisterhood, a family united by a love for the game and an unwavering commitment to each other. Through this, we see warriors, leaders and future inspirations that have redefined the meaning of strength and determination.”
Rugby is a unique sport. There are full-body tackles with no padding and brutal, exhilarating competition. For the athletes, known as “ruggers,” this sport is more than a game. It’s a full display of mind, body, and spirit to take the hits that come. Now in their 25th season of competition, Santa Clara Women’s Rugby is looking to build on three national placements, earning 15th in 2011, 7th in 2012 and 10th in 2017. Since the BRUWs’ (Bronco Rugby Union Women’s Side) inception in 1997, the team has worked continuously to bring attention to rugby on campus–and has been successful in doing so.
Their popularity and success have also grown as more students are enticed by the tight-knit family of athletes. From rookies to veterans, the camaraderie has been apparent since the first kickoff of the season.
After each match, both teams have a “social” together to break the tension and create conviviality after pummeling each other on the field minutes before. This eases any hard feelings and creates a space for the ruggers to get to know each other, share experiences and compliment each other on a game well played.
“Playing rugby is something I look forward to every week, even when midterms have exhausted my body and I have bruises from a game,” said sophomore Harumy Miura. “I can confidently say I can count on the BRUWS to have my back. Even without knowing it, the team has uplifted me during some of the most trying parts of my life.”
Finding community after tearing each other apart has a unique way of breeding loyalty and friendships in unexpected places–you’ll rarely find a sport with kinder or more supportive athletes across the board.
Unique traditions like these speak to a sports experience that you are unlikely to find on any other field across Santa Clara. While playing intramural soccer at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night is bonding in its way, having a party with the opposing team is another.
This season rugby is 1-3, and once again there is a strong new group of young players who have not played rugby before stepping foot on campus. Though the season isn’t quite off to the start the BRUWs have hoped for, coming back to practice and working hard every day has inspired this group. From the culture the coaches have built to carry on the legacy from years past, Santa Clara Women’s Rugby certainly continues to make its mark in program history.
In the end, the community and bonds that rugby has created have mattered more than any record.
“My experience at Santa Clara wouldn’t be as notable if it weren’t for rugby and my BRUWs,” said sophomore Harumy Miura. “For that, I’ll continuously have love for both.”