Mayhem Rugby Gear Up for Spring Season

The local gay Mayhem Rugby team’s season is about to start. Rugby in Minnesota has two seasons: spring and fall. Spring matches begin April 9, and continue every Saturday through May, culminating in a major tournament in Seattle over Memorial Day weekend.

The nature of the team has changed over the past six years. What was once a novice group, whose membership included not a person who ever had played rugby, is now one with a solid base of experienced players who are always happy to introduce new people to the sport. The Mayhem also have a new coach, former team player “AJ” Jones.

The Mayhem, who are known to be excellent hosts to other local rugby clubs, had an amazing experience hosting the 2010 Bingham Cup last summer.

But Jones reminds us that drinking songs and partying are not what the team is about.

As Jones says, “It’s really about being a tight-knit, open group. We have players eager to share what they know. That is exciting about what is happening here with our team. We are committed to the game, to our local union, and to competing with our fellow gay rugby teams from around the country.”

The Mayhem want everyone, gay or not, to feel like they have a place on the team, especially if they never have played before. The Mayhem pride themselves on being a team that takes anyone of any skill level.

So, have you considered playing rugby? Maybe not. But when the thought crosses your mind—and I hope it will—when you join the Mayhem, expect a good workout, camaraderie, a sense of belonging to a brotherhood unlike any you’ll find on any other sports team, and learning the value of competition.

Look at the newest team photo taken after practice earlier this spring, and you’ll see that a successful rugby team needs men of all sizes.

Team captain Jason Prudhom, who encourages anyone interested in playing to do so, regardless of past experience playing sports, states, “I really want to build everyone’s confidence as rugby players, and give our team a competitive edge.”

So, can’t wait to join the fray? Want to check out a few matches this season? Visit www.mayhemrfc.com, or e-mail [email protected]. It’s never too late to join. Practices are twice a week, with games every Saturday.