The UNM rugby team hits the pitch against Utah State in a home battle this Saturday as part of the 45th annual High Desert Classic.
The team, competing in a sport not widely-recognized on campus, competes in both the USA Rugby D1A Conference — the biggest college rugby conference in the nation — and the Rio Grande Rugby Football Union (RGRFU).
The team, currently sitting at 0-2 in D1A Conference play, has taken losses to Wyoming 33-24 and Texas Tech 31-29. The Lobos are still looking for their first win of the season and hope to accomplish that on Saturday.
Clifford Kindred, the player-representative and second-year captain for the Lobos’ rugby team, said that his team has been working on contact for their upcoming match. But since the team has a lot of new faces to the sport this year, Kindred said that the program has started by focusing on the basics.
“Something that we did today was cover a lot of technical things in the laws of the game since our team is still pretty new to the sport,” Kindred said.
Head coach Thomas Goslau said that the return of injured players will help the squad in its upcoming match, and he believes the team has a developed at least one strong suit that could be a factor.
“Our defense is solid and our attack and offensive tactics can open the field against opponents, and capitalize on our high fitness level,” Goslau said. “Both defense, and a wide open and fast style of play, will be essential to beat a hard-running team like Utah State.”
The Lobos’ rugby team isn't a core sport at the University the way basketball, football or baseball might be viewed. In fact, it is recognized as a club sport. As such, scholarship opportunities are not available for players as they are in some other Mountain West schools.
Although the sport is growing in popularity in some regions of the United States, it still isn't as prevalent around the nation as others.
For the team, that can sometimes present a problem. Although the team does receive some funding from the University, money can be an issue for its operations.
“We are funded by the appropriations given to us by the school, but as we learned from our Utah trip they can also revoke those same funds, so we are at the mercy of the school on funding,” Kindred said. “Otherwise, we generate funds by charging players to be on the team each semester so we can keep our heads above water.”
In addition to limited funding, Kindred said support from the student body is also lacking. Despite outwardly showing commitment by wearing the team’s jersey and representing the school in collegiate competition, he said he believes people don't respect what his team is doing. Kindred and the rest of the team appear to be working hard to change the perception and get some much-needed support.
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The Lobos’ rugby team is also trying increase name recognition by getting involved with the community, doing things such as charity work. Kindred said he believes it is an important factor in uniting the squad’s diverse personalities.
“The demeanor and attitudes (in rugby) are so much different, and you get people from all walks of life,” Kindred said. “We embrace it. The more, the merrier.”
Kindred said that the game of rugby can be played by anyone, and that's what makes the game what it is.
“The team itself has become so much more inclusive in the fact that anyone can play; they just need to have the dedication,” he said.
New Mexico was unable to acquire film for the game as part of its match preparation. But Kindred, a veteran with experience against Utah State, described the opponent as being “very physical, and one of those game-smart teams.”
Head coach Goslau, said he still believes the team can come away with a victory in a win over Utah State this Saturday despite the lack of film study.
“We are fairly confident of a win this week against Utah State,” Goslau said. “The team continues to build on and improve all aspects of its play.”
The D1A-West Conference match between New Mexico and Utah State will take place Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at USS Bullhead Park.
Those interested in more information on UNM’s rugby team can contact the team’s captain at cliffyk@unm.edu or visit the UNM Lobos men's rugby team pages on Facebook or Instagram.
Matthew Narvaiz is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @matt_narvaiz.
