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| The Atlanta Bucks — including (left to right) coach Toby Stokes and players Clayton Duggan, Arron Huffstetler, Lloyd Taylor, and Todd Stallings — look on from the sidelines during the East Coast Invitational gay rugby tournament in New York City on Nov. 16. (Photo courtesy Atlanta Bucks) |
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HOME > COMMUNITY > COMMUNITY FEATURE
By: VAN GOWER
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Rugby may not be considered a stereotypical gay sport. But the Atlanta Bucks, the city’s first predominantly gay men’s rugby team, formed in June and is breaking down those preconceptions.
Bucks President Eddie Towson said he first became aware of the fledgling team in early June after seeing flyers posted around Atlanta. He quickly jumped aboard to help with promotions.
The team met July 19 at a restaurant, with 11 people in attendance, and was followed by an informal scrimmage in Piedmont Park.
"At that point, we didn’t know what we were doing," Towson said. "We were just interested in rugby."
Subsequent promotions garnered additional members, and the team met again July 30 with 22 people. Members selected the team name out of some 30 nominees and adopted purple and black as team colors.
RUGBY IS AN EXTREMELY physical sport with no padding or protection save for mouth guards. Players may wear optional thin, neoprene padding under their shirts to guard against excessive bruising.
Towson said that due to the physical risks of the game, the Bucks are a male-only team.
"There are some tough ladies out there, but when you’re going up against guys who are six feet tall and 250 pounds or more, there’s some liability involved," Towson said.
There are women’s rugby teams in Atlanta, he added.
Many of the players who join the Bucks do so without prior rugby experience, often seeking a vigorous and fraternal team sport. They find other Bucks players are more than willing to help them learn the game, Towson said.
"I didn’t know anything at all when I joined," said Bucks fullback Robert Allen, who joined after watching a practice.
Allen's slight stature — he’s 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds — makes him a good runner and tackler, he said.
"It’s pretty easy for me," Allen said. "The other guys on this team are really great. They showed me how to tackle, how to use not just your arms but your whole body to take [opponents] down."
A BASIC GAME IS played in 40-minute "full force and non-stop" halves, and the clock doesn’t stop unless a player is injured. Any down-time is added to the total game time.
The Bucks practice twice weekly and have optional informal games in Piedmont Park on Sundays. Their first official game was Nov. 16 at the East Coast Invitational gay-inclusive rugby tournament at Randalls Island Park in New York City.
In the first game, the New York City Gotham beat the Philadelphia Gryphons 36 to 12. In game two, the Boston Ironsides bested the Gotham 33 to 8. In the final game, Philly defeated Atlanta 29 to 10.
Anyone interested in participating but wary of the physical aspect can sign on as "Auxiliary Bucks," team supporters who assist with fundraising and promotions, sit on committees, and cheer the players on during practices and games.
"Rugby is different from other sports in that it’s like a huge fraternity, with brother ‘ruggers,’" Towson said. "After games, the two teams will go out and party. During play, opponents might have been trying to take your head off and break your legs, but we’ll all be at the bar later having beers together and shaking hands."
To help with fund-raising efforts, the Bucks hold a "Bucks For Bucks" bachelor auction Nov. 23 at Red Chair Restaurant & Video Lounge. Patrons can bid for an evening on the town with a Bucks player. Held in conjunction with the Red Chair Revue, the event is hosted by Bubba D. Licious.
www.hotlantarugby.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hotlantarugby
Nov. 23, 9 p.m.
Red Chair Restaurant & Video Lounge
550-C Amsterdam Ave.
404-870-0532
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