Neighbor Newspapers - The Suburban Choice

Rugby squad headed to San Diego

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 7:04 PM EDT

By Chas Strong
Neighbor Newspapers Sports Editor

They hail from all over the world-South Africa, Kenya, Chile, Romania, and yes, even the United States.

Drive by Peachtree Hills Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening and you will see this intriguing melting pot of cultures, a group of men who work regular jobs during the day, only to come together on the rugby pitch at night.

Atlanta's Old White Rugby Football Club is one of the nation's premier rugby clubs, and after their magical run through the National Men's Division II playoffs, Old White will be competing in the national semifinals June 11-12 in San Diego, Ca.

Old White coach Brynn Ireland talked about the increasing popularity of rugby in the United States.

" One of the things about some of the more popular sports in America like football is that when players come out of college there is really no in between - they either continue to play professionally or they don't play any more," he said. "Having this club atmosphere in rugby gives guys a chance to continue to compete as long as they want to. I guess you could say we're that in between."

Club President Mike Ryan began playing rugby during his college days at Georgia.

" It's the greatest game I've ever played, and I've played most of them," he said.

Ryan said the camaraderie he has found with Old White has been one of the great experiences of his life.

" You come out here and you see all these guys from all over the world," he said. "Everyone should have this kind of opportunity to be around people from different backgrounds and cultures."

Old White will be competing in the national semifinals this weekend because of a miracle comeback in their round-of-eight victory over Red Mountain, a club located in Phoenix, Ariz.

Trailing 24-10 with 10 minutes remaining in the match, Old White's tremendous 2005 campaign appeared to be drawing to a disappointing close.

" I know that every one of our guys knew we could come back," said Ireland.

And come back they did, as Digby Watt's penalty conversion with 30 seconds remaining in the match gave Old White the amazing victory.

" That was just 10 minutes of brilliance," said Ireland of his team's comeback. "After they [Red Mountain] scored to go up 24-10, the wind picked up and started blowing the other direction. Their side kind of took the foot off the pedal and they started to play a little more defensive. We were able to take advantage."

Up next for Old White will be a tough Lancaster RFC squad, a club from Philadelphia.

" I know they have a very strong club," said Ireland. "They pride themselves on having an all American side. They are a forward-oriented side, and unfortunately, we have midgets for forwards."

But talk to the members of Old White for an extended period of time and it's clear this group of athletes has a tough mental mindset.

" This team has an unbelievable amount of heart," said Ireland. "We have played against some brilliant competition this year, and we've done what it's taken to win some games in which we were probably not the better team on the field."