As far as the competitions went on, Saipan’s team was able to compete with team Guam slugging them over and over again in the Rugby 7’s Tournament conducted there 20 years ago; year 1990 to 1997.
Despite its overwhelming record against the Guam national rugby and Andersen Military teams, Saipan has never competed in any major international tournaments.
Team Guam recruited 2 players from team Saipan to compete in the prestigious Bangkok 7’s Rugby tournament.
This team then moved on to compete in Manila, Philippines.
One of the founding fathers of Saipan rugby, James Hollman said “Some of our players were recruited by Guam to play in Bangkok last year and the Guam team did well. And we (almost) always thrash Guam. So now it’s time for Saipan to put together a team and compete internationally.” This statement was made more than 10 years ago. His goal is about to be accomplished.
With the league coming back to life after 13 years, the new leaders and officials for the Saipan Rugby Football Club would like to call on the public for interested players.
Thanks to Coach Soni and Congressman Frederick P. Deleon Guerrero we are holding a Men’s Rugby practice every Fridays at the Airport Field and Mondays at the Cha Cha Jr. High School soccer field. Soccer shoes or football shoes, with clits, are recommended for the sport. Participants and fans are more than welcome to watch or join the practice.
At the moment there are no women rugby teams formed yet but anybody willing to learn the sport can come by and get more information on the practice fields and definitely make the first woman’s rugby team on Saipan! The practice sessions started last week Friday and will continue on.
As soon as an official team for Saipan is put together, this new team will go against the old sluggers from the team formed years ago. So this will be great entertainment for the community as well.
It is also the goal of the new committee members to seek sponsorships and money enough to send a team to represent the CNMI in off island competitions. So far, Saipan has only made it for the Rugby 7’s competitions on Guam.
