VSU Rugby Club Builds Community Through Competition
VALDOSTA, GA – beyond the scrums and tackles, the Valdosta State University Rugby Club fosters a tight-knit community were camaraderie and personal growth are as important as winning. Established in 2010, the student-led club welcomes players of all skill levels, offering a unique blend of athletic challenge and supportive fellowship.
The VSU Rugby Club provides an inclusive habitat for students seeking both physical fitness and a sense of belonging. Open to both experienced players and newcomers, the club emphasizes essential skill progress alongside the values of teamwork and mutual respect. This approach has created a “brotherhood” – as described by club president Jordan Hall – where players prioritize protecting and supporting one another, regardless of opposing teams.
Rugby’s appeal extends to a diverse range of students, including those like Henry Domyslawski, who joined to forge new friendships and maintain an active lifestyle. “Really right now getting the basics of the fundamentals [is] the biggest thing,” Hall explained, highlighting the club’s commitment to player development.
The club operates with two primary formats: 15s, played in the fall, and 7s, contested in the spring - referencing the number of players on the field during each match. Matches are 80 minutes long with limited stoppages, demanding both endurance and strategic play.The sport utilizes an oval-shaped ball, distinct from a football in it’s size and roundness, and advancement relies on running or kicking the ball forward.
Allison Dinapoli, a scrum half for the club, describes the atmosphere as ”super pleasant and supportive, like a big happy family.” This sentiment underscores the club’s core values and its impact on student life at VSU.
the D2 rugby club will kick off its home season on October 4th against Georgia College and State University. practices are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:15-8:15 p.m.on VSU’s north campus.
