Poway Men's Rugby Club Tackles Misconceptions; Boasts Camaraderie

After nearly four years of trying to start a rugby club in Poway, Frank Fournier has finally started to see success.

"It's finally stuck this time," Fournier said of the newly-formed Poway Men's Rugby Club.

The Poway High School grad, who now coaches at his alma mater, has gathered 11 other "ruggers" and has been practicing for the past four months. The team, who call themselves the Hooligans, will play in their first tournament this weekend on Saturday at Escondido's Kit Carson Park.

As for the sport itself, Fournier thinks it holds negative connotations, initially turning would-be players — and sometimes, their parents — off.

"There's kind of a misconception about [rugby]," Fournier said. "It's actually less dangerous than football. You'll get more cuts and bruises, but there are less major injuries in the sport."

According to Fournier, kids as young as 5-years-old in Poway can play the sport with the local youth club. He said about three Poway Unified School District high schools also offer the sport as an after-school club.

"I think with the recent youth programs we've had, [Poway Men's Rugby Club] will eventually grow," Fournier said. "I don't think we'll struggle for numbers in the future with the influx of youth players we'll have."

Fournier said the club team is looking for more players, especially once the summer season is done. As of now, the games are known as "Sevens," meaning seven players on each team are on the field playing at one time. Once the winter season kicks off, "Fifteens" are played, aptly requiring 15 players. Poway's club currently has 12 total.

"We're always looking for more players," Fournier said. "We practice Monday through Thursday at Poway High from 5-7 p.m. We help out with the youth teams first, though."

According to the rugger, the sport is a mix of "football, soccer and wrestling." And one of the major differences between rugby and football? Rugby is community-oriented.

"We say that football is for fraternities and rugby is for families," Fournier said. "After the games, the teams intermingle, we go grab a beer together. It's great."

Recently, the Olympics recognized rugby as a sport for the international games; and Fournier said that the U.S. team practices right here in San Diego.

"Rugby is getting really big," the Powegian said. "We'd like to have Poway on the map as one of the first places as having a professional team."

Interested players can contact Fournier at 858-442-5206 or frankfournier@hotmail.com.