Local Rugby league builds relationships, teamwork

  • Published
  • By A1C Joshua D. Rolando
  • 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Air Force members from RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath are currently working with the local community to create a Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC).

The number of Air Force members and British nationals is nearly equal.

"We are a social club looking to promote the sport of Rugby and bring both communities [Air Force and local national] together through it," Rick Cook, the club's president, said.

To many, Rugby may look like a large game of "Kill the Man with the Ball"; however, it is very involved and dates back to the same time period as soccer. The objective is to move the ball past the try line using the combined efforts of your team.

Unlike American football, there are no "downs" and the game is played continuously through two 40-minute halves.

"Rugby isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport," is a major theme from Director of Rugby, and British national, Craig Hunter.

The game is played with no more protection than your mouth guard. Every maneuver in rugby requires strength, speed, or intelligence - most times, a combination of all three.

On offense or defense, the entire team must work incredibly hard as a unit in order to be successful. Unlike American football, where certain players have the potential to excel, they won't be able to in Rugby without the support of every other team member.

The nature of Rugby builds a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie like no other sport.

The team is currently in the process of being accepted to the Eastern Counties Rugby Union, a league of local rugby teams primarily consisting of British members. Many friendships have been made through the combined participation in the sport, not only in the immediate area, but through the club's participation in events involving extended communities.

Recently, Mildenhall RUFC competed with teams from Cambridge, Thetford, and others in a two-day beach tournament held at Southwold.

In addition to the rugby, many social events took place and further deepened the bond among all rugby players: American, British, or otherwise. Currently the team has 23 matches from August to April scheduled against squads from across Eastern England. The team is open to players, both experienced and inexperienced. Anyone looking to get involved should contact Rick Cook at rugbynut7@hotmail.com or Craig Hunter at sa.hunter@btinternet.com.