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.
The try-outs are every Friday and Monday, exempting the Friday that will be coming up. The league needs ten players for this rugby, which is called “Rugby10.”
This number makes it a little hard for players to last long on the field. There are a lot of running and tackling on this unlike the “15aside” rules.
The league will need many participants for this to really see who’s qualified for each position. Unlike football, this sport doesn’t wear any protective pads, just a helmet if you want to. Young men aged 18 years old and above are welcomed.
Thanks to Coach Soni and Congressman Frederick P Deleon Guerrero we are holding a Men’s Rugby practice every Friday at the Airport Field and Mondays at the Cha Cha Jr. High School soccer field. So players who are willing to try out are being encouraged to come prompt and early.
The officials are also warning the boys who will try out, that this is a contact sport, therefore, players will get hurt just a little bit here and there with a few bruises. According to a phone interview with one of the officials yesterday, he told the Variety that this sport is very fun and fulfilling and encourages everyone to try out for it.
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.
