Elmhurst Rugby Club Takes Second In State

ELMHURST, IL — In its second year as a club, the Elmhurst Rugby Club went undefeated during its regular season, and earned first seed for the Illinois state playoffs. According to the club, the team, consisting of 18 kids ages 14 to 18, won 62 to 10 in the state semifinals match on May 24 at Hinsdale South against Plainfield.

The team then faced Springfield in the state finals on May 31 at Morton High School in Berwyn in a close game, just missing the win by 3 points.

“This group of young men really gave it their all this season, learning a new sport, working hard, and coming together as a team," Coach Nick Larma said in a release. "The impact on these boys both as athletes and as teammates will help them not only with other team sports they play but will also help them grow into confident, successful young men.”

“The brotherhood among the team propelled us to an undefeated season and eventually the state championship," team captain Ben Bernard, a recent graduate of York High School who will be a freshman at the University of Iowa, said in a release. "The bonds between us are going to stick with me and shape me for my future both in life and in rugby.”

Registration for the 2018-19 high school and middle school squads will be held in October. Rookie Rugby
and Access Rugby camps will be held in the fall with registration in August. For more information on registration, visit their website.

Elmhurst Rugby is sponsored by Olympia Chiropractic & Physical Therapy of Elmhurst and Pints and is
currently seeking additional sponsors. For information on sponsorship, contact Coach Nick at
elmhurstrugby@gmail.com.

Image via Shutterstock.