Hard-hitting, fast-paced and just plain dirty were some of the words that Spencer Harris used to describe what rugby is.
Harris, a junior at Utah State University and member of the rugby club, loves the sport.
“I love staying active and tackling people. Rugby lets me do both,” Harris said.
Harris was introduced to the game at Bingham high school in South Jordan, Utah. The school started a rugby club during his senior year.
“I wrestled in high school and always wanted to play football but never tried out for the team for some reason,” Harris said. “When I found out the school was creating a rugby team I decided to join.”
He quickly learned the rules and after a few weeks earned his spot as a starter on the team.
“Because the sport isn’t very popular in America, our coaches first had to teach us all the rules. I would go home after school and study plays and teams on Youtube,” Harris said.
When Harris arrived at USU, he quickly became a standout player on the team.
At 6 feet 2 inches tall and 200 pounds, Harris can hit hard and is difficult to bring down.
“He is a huge asset to team,” said Ryan McLeod, president of the rugby club and fellow teammate. “He is a utility player. He is good enough to play wherever I put him. Pound for pound one of the toughest guys out there.”
Toughness is a must according to Harris.
“You have to be fearless when you are on the field,” Harris said. “We don’t wear pads in rugby, so you have to be prepared to take a hard hit and then get up and keep playing.”
Harris has had one concussion and numerous cuts and bruises in his years as a rugby player.
“I remember hitting my head really hard but then just getting up and still playing,” Harris said. “I should have quit playing because to this day I still can’t remember what happened the rest of the game.”
The rugby club accepts anyone who comes out to play.
“It’s about being able to learn and enjoy the sport,” McLeod said. “We are competitive but we also just try to have fun.”
(s.o'sullivan)
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