Brown University Rugby 50th Anniversary Commencement Match

Brown’s undergrad men will once again be put to the test by the wily and well traveled Alumni who will descend on Brown to demonstrate that there’s yet a lot to learn in the game of rugby.

This match has been played for at least 25 to 30 years and is a highlight for the alumni and a moment of humility for the undergrads. If you are or should be celebrating a reunion this month then you must make an appearance to play or at least cheer on the brave ones from your class who were able to find their boots and mouth guards. I expect members of the zero and five classes (1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005) to be there.

As well, any Brown Rugby alum who is within striking distance and wants to play or cheer is also welcome. There will be an historic 50th anniversary picture taken of all Brown Rugby players (former and current) who are on hand. We look forward to seeing many of you and here is the match schedule and rules of participation: Location: The rugby field is located in the lower right corner (behind right field of the baseball stadium) of the sports complex behind the Olney Margolis Athletic Center, once known at Aldrich Dexter Field.

Date: Saturday, May 29, 2010
Time: Players are invited to arrive around 12:30 P.M. and the match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 P.M.

Lots of time to see old friends and attempt to stretch out those old muscles. Uniforms: Players should bring rugby shorts, socks, and boots. Brown will provide jerseys and we will try to have mouth guards and some extra shorts, socks and boots for those whose wives or significant others threw the old stuff out.

Match: The match will consist of a minimum of three, 20 minute periods. If enthusiasm and energy is running high, we can play a bit more. Both the undergrads and the alumni will be able to substitute at any time. Thus, anyone from 1960 on can give us a blistering 5 minutes and call it a day!

Referee: The referee is well schooled in the “old laws” (whatever they were), and will do all he can to allow the alums to look good.

Trainer: Our veteran trainers, Amanda Moran and Kelly Teixeira, will be on hand to tape, ice down and help the old guys touch their toes.

Water: Water, beverages and ice will be on hand.

Weather: Rugby goes well with sun, shade, wind, calm, rain or hail. The match will be played regardless of the weather.

Post Match Festivities: As soon as the match is over, the coaches request that all players, alumni, parents and friends stay for a very short presentation of awards to our graduating seniors. The festivities should be over at approximately 4:30 P.M.

For the undergrads, come out to support your senior mates and give them a good sendoff. For the reunion classes, let’s have a terrific turnout. For the other alumni, this is always a terrific day and bring your families and friends for the afternoon.

LETS MAKE OUR 50TH COMMENCEMENT THE BIGGEST AND BEST EVER.

Cheers and see you on the 29th,

Contact: Jay Fluck, Director of Rugby, Brown University
Email: Jay [dot] Fluckatcbre-ne [dot] com