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DARIEN, Conn. – Darien High School could have a new varsity sport next year: rugby. The administration is considering granting the rugby club varsity status, which would add $9,375 to the school’s budget.
Darien High students have been playing rugby for about five years, and in that time the sport has grown quite popular, Athletics Director John Keleher said. About 40 students participate in the club.
“In the past couple of years we’ve been starting to see a lot of freshman and sophomores come into this program,” Keleher said. “It’s somewhat addicting, and is an activity that the kids really take to.”
Assistant Superintendent Matthew Byrnes said that because rugby is not offered in middle school, students who join the program when they reach high school pretty much start out at the same level. Students who play rugby grow close to one another, and program alumni recently held a reunion.
“We heard many reports at the reunion from students who played rugby here and went on to play in college,” Byrnes said. “We’ve heard testimonials from kids saying this was a great way to have a social group to start in college.”
The budget increase includes money for an assistant coaching position, as well as uniforms and travel. Though the club currently receives a stipend from the school, students are responsible for their own travel to and from games.
Keleher said the students practice three times a week, but would probably start spending a few days a week conditioning in the weight room.
Superintendent Stephen Falcone said one reason for converting rugby to varsity status is because students make a big commitment to the program and it was felt the school should recognize that commitment. It would also be an opportunity for students who play rugby to gain a varsity letter.
Rugby is not included in the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference or the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, but several schools in the area have varsity rugby programs, such as Greenwich High School and Fairfield Prep.
