What's it all mean?: Rubgy players explain their sport

The team dominates all other state schools, including WVU, and it has a list of impressive performances, including a win against the University of Cincinnati, a much larger program.

Marshall players practice a scrum, which is when the forwards from both teams squeeze together and a ball is placed in the middle as both teams attempt to kick it out of the pack to gain possession. File Photo

Still, not many people seem to notice the rugby team's achievements.

"Some people don't even know Marshall has a rugby team. I've met some people who think rugby and lacrosse are the same thing," Charleston senior and team captain Chad Carte said.

Carte says he thinks some people are turned off by rugby because they don't know the rules or object of the game.

It doesn't have to be that way, he says.

"It's not too complicated as far as rules go, and it's a great spectator sport that can be picked up pretty quickly," Carte said.

He said if more people were aware of the basic rules of rugby, maybe more people would become interested in the team and the sport.

Carte wants "scrum" and "ruck" to be familiar terms.

On the rugby field - or pitch - both team have 15 players each. There are eight forwards and seven backs on each team. The forwards are more involved in winning possession for the backs, who play more in the open field and maneuver the ball through the opposition by passing, kicking or running with it.

The rugby pitch is 110 yards by 75 yards with 20-yard end zones in which the ball must be touched down to make a four-point score, which is called a try.

There are goal posts similar to those in football, which extra points and penalty kicks are shot through.

An extra point is taken anywhere on a line perpendicular with the spot the ball was touched down. Basically, the closer one touches the ball down to the middle of the end zone, the easier the extra kick.

Penalty kicks are awarded for many reasons and any player can drop-kick the ball through the opponent's uprights at any time. Both scores are worth three points.

Teams play two 40-minute halves with a 5-minute break.

"The aggressiveness, contact and intensity are great aspects of the game, and it's continuous action," Carte said.

"In rugby we play make-it, take-it, so when you score, your team gets the ball kicked back to them."

Rugby, which is known for its brutal physical play, involves strategy and thought.

"Rugby players are a lot smarter than most people probably think, but the sport does take a high level of toughness and athleticism," said Jason Hayes, Hurricane senior and forwards captain for the team.

Players can only kick or pass the ball to teammates who are behind or parallel to them. When a ball is propelled forward a penalty is called ó and then a scrum occurs.

All forwards from both teams will squeeze close together and form a huddle that resembles a litter of baby pigs crowding in to feed off their mother.

A player puts the ball in the middle and both teams attempt to kick the ball out of the back of the scrum with their heels. Then, possession occurs and open play begins.

"Everyone who comes to watch the games seems to have a good time," Hayes said.

"It's cool to watch a bunch of guys bang each other around and just keep playing no matter what."

A player carrying the ball can be tackled at any time by the opposition. Tackles bring the ball to the ground between opposing players, causing a ruck.

The rules of the ruck are the same as the scrum, but only the feet can be used to get the ball into play.

A maul is what happens when one or more opponents hold the ball and they are joined by a teammate.

The scrum, ruck and maul are three ways for teams to control possession and dominate other teams.

"Most people don't make the transition from football to rugby, and that's why people need to know more about it," Hayes said.

When a ball is knocked out of bounds the other team is awarded a throw-in. Opposing forwards form two lines perpendicular to the sideline and attempt to bring the ball, which is thrown between both lines, out of the air. No one can bring the ball into possession except for the forwards.

"The game is pretty easy to understand, and when you pick up on the rules it is more fun to watch," Hayes said.

"It is a continuous game with a lot of things happening unexpectedly."

Parkersburg junior Jeff Starcher, a three-year team member, says he wants students to become more aware of the team and sport in order to get more attention for himself and his teammates.

"Some people don't know we exist," Starcher said, "and those who do, don't know how well organized the program is."

The team receives $500 dollars from Marshall's Student Government Association. That takes care of about one or two tournaments.

Players pay the rest of the fees, Starcher said.

"We need some more support from the university in getting a field or organizing games," he said, "and we also want more students involved with rugby."

Starcher says students should show their support because the team is good ó thanks to a four-game winning streak, the Thundering Herd is 4-2 this spring.

"We have a good shot next year of going real far in the Division II National Tournament," he said.