It takes confidence to play on The Claremont Colleges women’s rugby team. Not for the timid, rugby is a full-contact sport and players are prone to injury. But that hasn’t prevented Scripps students from signing up for a rigorous spring schedule of practice sessions, fitness classes, and games. Eight of the 40 team members are from Scripps and on any given game six will be on the starting team.
The tough nature of the sport hasn’t made the job of Scripps seniors Megan Pelletier and Jennifer Rokke, co-captains of the team, more difficult. As they recruit new team members, manage practice sessions, and develop the team rosters, they have noted the appeal of the sport among women.
“Rugby is popular because it is conducive to all body types—big, small, tall, or short,” says Megan. “It is empowering and a huge adrenaline rush.”
The women’s rugby team, a student sports club of The Claremont Colleges, has been playing competitively for eight years. Members have various levels of experience; some are veterans of the sport, while others are rookies. They practice three times a week and face teams from across Southern California and Arizona every weekend. Since the team’s inception, Leslie Jamison has volunteered her time to coach the women.
“Not only is [Jamison] a talented rugby player,” says Megan, “she is a friend to many of the girls on the team.”
The team has attended the U.S.A. Rugby Women’s Collegiate Division II National Championship three of the past four years. According to Jenni, this year’s competition is fierce but the team is up for the challenge.
“We hope to make it to nationals again,” says Jenni. “We would love to carry on the tradition.”
The team’s season began February 3 and will continue until April. Earlier this month, the team drubbed Occidental College, with a 39-5 shut out. The victory came after a stinging defeat by the team’s biggest rival, the University of Arizona.
On Saturday, February 17, the team will line up against the women of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to play their fourth game of the season.
“[Our games] have an amazing turnout and great support here on the 5C’s,” says Megan.
In addition to the two-hour practices three times a week, gym classes, and weekend games, Megan and Jenni have captains’ practice each Friday. Jenni, who has played rugby since her high school days in Minneapolis, says “I’m busy, but it’s worth it.”