Rugby is becoming more popular in and around Rochester. McQuaid Jesuit has had a rugby team for nearly a decade. This year, the Varsity team is one step closer to a national championship.

Last year, the teams 15-2-1 campaign culminated in a New York State championship. To reach the nationals, the players began training in late February, far earlier than in previous years, and their efforts have paid off. They admit, qualifying for the High School Nationals caught them a little off guard.

Seniors Max Klotz and Andrew Spencer are team co-captains. They have played McQuaid rugby since their freshmen years.

"I never thought our team would be going to nationals. Obviously we're going there to compete for a national title, but justly the experience of going there is something that we can build on from now on for this program." says Klotz

"I'm nervous. It should be a tough match up, but if we can really buckle down and practice here, we should put up a good game." Spencer adds.

Klotz says the game has broad appeal.

"I like the fact that it has something for everybody. For the smaller guys, its got the passing and fast paced running. For the bigger guys, it does have the hard hitting aspect of it. They kick, they hit, they tackle, it has everything."

The game has taken its time getting a foothold in our area. Some people find the rules confusing.

"It's confusing at first, but when you learn the rules and you play more, it's more about game experience. A lot of it is like ‘what are the set pieces, the line out's, why do we lift up the player, why do we have to pass the ball backwards?’. People really get confused about that.

Even players often need to be brought up to speed. That's where the team captains help out.

"Unlike football, most players come into the game not knowing anything. A lot of guys don't know the rules. As captain, were teaching them and building them up." Klotz says.

For Klotz, there's extra pride in being team captain. His father also played rugby.

"If you're going through a tough loss, you have to lead them through that, you have to keep your heads high. Then it’s also nice when you captain your team to victory."

Spencer hopes that as rugby becomes more popular in our area more school administrations will pay attention. As for newcomers to the game, he has this advice:

"I would say just try it, even if it’s just for the first couple of days. I didn't know that I wanted to play all four years and it got to me. People are starting to join. They're starting to get it."

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McQuaid Jesuit High School