Community

Rugby takes the field

For a group of New Tampa teens, a new competition beckons.

By MIKE CAMUNAS, Times Staff Writer
Published February 1, 2008

TAMPA -- The Tampa Barbarians have no benchwarmers.

This is rugby, a demanding, physical game that rewards endurance but sends players shuttling from the field to the sideline.

"A lot of these kids get to play the sport," coach Mark Van Trees said. "That's what's attractive. They may spend time on another sport and not get on the field. Here, no one gets cut, because if you practice, you play."

The Barbarians are based in Wesley Chapel but include 25 high school students from around the New Tampa area. They are in their first year of competition and practice at New Tampa Community Park.

Van Trees started high school rugby teams in Virginia and Indiana and has been playing the sport for more than 40 years. He owns Everything Espresso, which maintains equipment in Panera Bread cafes and Starbucks.

The turnout for his new club has been impressive, he said. "I guess word just got out. Kids from all over have come out and they've liked it."

The action in rugby is continuous - similar to soccer. A touchdown scores five points. Each team fields 15 players during two 40-minute halves.

The Barbarians started four months ago and are among 16 rugby clubs in the state separated into two divisions: North which includes the Barbarians and South.

Another team in the bay area, the Pinellas Athletic Pelicans, is ranked No. 2 in the state. The Barbarians lost to them 41-0 on Jan. 12 in the season opener.

"The first two weeks, we were just trying to make sure everyone knew how to play," said Charlie Hutchings, 14, a Wharton High sophomore from England who played in his home country. "It was tough but it's been fun, and now everyone is getting along and getting the game."

Ben Nakamura, 16, agrees with Van Trees that everyone gets a piece of the action.

"In football, not everyone gets the ball, but in rugby, everyone does get to touch the ball," the King High junior said. "I tried out football at my school and didn't like it. I enjoy rugby more because it gives you better freedom for things."

And that's what Ricky Tennent, 18, the lone senior on the team, loves about rugby.

"(It's) cause I get to hit people," Tennent said. "I played football and I just decided to try something that involved hitting, and rugby just grew on me.

"I mean, football is a great sport, but I've never had this much fun in my life."

Van Trees predicts rugby will quickly gain in popularity in this area.

"It'll be accepted and has the help of word of mouth," said Van Trees, who helped start the six original rugby teams in Indiana and watched the league blossom to 43. "This team will double in size. ...It'll certainly grow because I've seen it happen, but it'll happen over time."

Send your feedback and story ideas to Mike Camunas at mcamunas@sptimes.com or call (352) 544-9480.

Tampa Barbarians Rugby Football Club

Coaches: Mark Van Trees, Stuart Hutchings

Where: The team practices at New Tampa Community Park, 17302 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa, 33647

What: The Barbarians is one of 16 rugby clubs in Florida, separated into two divisions: North and South. It is open to all high school-aged athletes from 14 to 19 years old.

Cost: $100 membership, which helps pay for referees. The uniform cost is $30.

For more information: Contact Van Trees at everythin@mindspring.com or (813) 363-4402, or head to www.tampabarbarians.org.

[Last modified January 31, 2008, 21:27:42]