State Champion Chiefs Rugby Starts Strong this Fall Season

The Chiefs Rugby Football Club (Chiefs RFC) completed week two of the fall season this past Saturday in Lemont at the home of the Chicago Blaze, one of the premier men’s rugby clubs in Illinois.  Matches were scheduled against clubs from Elgin and Palatine, however, the number of available players necessitated some improvisation.  The Chiefs banded together with players from Peoria and Elgin to form two complete sides of fifteen players each and scrimmaged for three periods of play, gaining valuable game experience that will, no doubt, help all players when the competitive spring season arrives.  Technically, the Chiefs won two matches by forfeit, but all of the young men who played were winners.

Also in a display of rugby brotherhood, players and coaches posed for a post-game photograph before joining each other for the traditional social meal, prior to the Blaze men’s matches.  The spring roster of the 2014 State Champion Chiefs is comprised of players from Aurora, Naperville, Oswego, and Yorkville attending primarily; Aurora Central Catholic, Metea, Oswego, Oswego East, Waubonsie, and Yorkville High Schools.  In the fall, the Chiefs welcome other players because fewer clubs field teams in this developmental season. 

’We welcome all players from local clubs such as Plainfield and Neuqua and even have players that attend St. Ignatius and Hinsdale Central this season.  I really enjoy the fall season as it is a great time for coaches to teach and players to learn, without the distractions of managing multiple teams and the pressure of the state playoffs.  It is also a great time for the players to meet those that they will compete against in the spring, learning leadership and communication skills in a short period of time,’ says Head Coach Bryce Elliott, a native of New Zealand and former professional rugby player.

In the first week of the season, the Chiefs played twice, first defeating the South Side Irish Rugby Academy, displaying true rugby sportsmanship by ’loaning’ the short-sided Irish several players to round out a full side.  The additional playing time appeared to have fatigued the Chiefs, who dropped a close second match to a fresh Arlington Stallions team.  This coming weekend, the Chiefs will travel to Busse Woods in Rolling Meadows to play two matches in a festival style format, joining teams and players from Arlington Heights, Chicago, Elgin, Palatine, and Peoria.  

This marks the third fall season for the Illinois Youth Rugby Association, which continues to expand, providing more opportunity for young men and women throughout the state to give rugby a try.  New player are always welcome.  No rugby experience is necessary.  For more information, visit the Chiefs online at ChiefsRFC.com, or contact the Head Coach Bryce Elliott at 630-854-1050.

Chiefs RFC provides a safe and productive environment that enables players to learn how to play rugby correctly and safely and apply the principles of Teamwork, Discipline, Dedication, and Sportsmanship.  The Chiefs facilitate the development of Strength and Character in everyone that participates.  Participation in our boys high school team or co-educational middle school team is open to all students from the Aurora, Naperville, and Oswego areas.

Chiefs RFC is a not-for-profit club, sustained by the efforts of volunteers who display an extraordinary amount of commitment and hard work, ensuring that the team is a positive influence in the lives of players.  The Chiefs also strive to provide a service to the community to gather together for endless hours of entertainment.