Competitive games and training are now offered to students at Moorpark College now that there is an active Rugby Club on campus.

The Rugby Club at Moorpark College is not even a year old. It started up last summer by President Gurteg Bedi, in hopes to increase the number of members in the coming years. Right now the club is busy trying to set up playing times and events to get more people involved so they can actually play games for the school instead of joining a men’s team outside of school.

Rugby club members have meetings two days a week and have scrimmages on Thursday nights at 8 o’clock at Thousand Oaks High School. In addition to the club members, players from the local men’s league also take the field.

All students are welcome to join the club or attend meetings to get an idea of what the club is about. It’s not too late to attend the club and continue on with the group, or just sit in on the meetings to be able to play next semester, said president of the Rugby Club. These members are dedicated players who love the game and love that they can share their passion with other students.

Bedi, 20, biotech major, said the best part about this club is the aspect of culture and the network of the game.

“Pretty much you can play it anywhere in the world,” said Bedi. “I went to South Africa and played.  I also spent a couple weeks in New Zeeland playing a little bit, and England too. It’s pretty much more fun because it’s kind of like football but everyone in the world can play so it’s more inclusive.”

Bedi said the club only has about seven to eight students involved in the club right now but they are hoping to get more in the near future.

This whole year has been about set up for the rugby members. They are looking forward to being apart of the Pacific Mount Conference, which is a group of all the clubs from other schools that involves four-years and two-years.

As soon as the rugby club gets enough players, they will start forming a league against other community colleges so students can watch them play and support them in their hometown. Women are always welcome to join the club as well, but they have no female members right now. However, it is common for women to play, especially in different parts of the world. 

President of the Men’s Rugby Club of Thousand Oaks Danny Benjamin, said that rugby is the fastest growing sport in the United States.

“It will be an Olympic sport in the year 2016,” said Benjamin. “The last team to win the Olympics for rugby was the United States so I’m excited to see how they will do. “

For more information on the Rugby Club at Moorpark College, students can email Bedi at  [email protected]. Those interested can also contact Benjamin, the president of the Men’s Rugby League, at 717-469-7922 to get involved.