The University of Vermont (UVM) men’s rugby team has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning its first-ever national championship. The victory was secured with an impressive score of 71-5 against the University of Chicago on December 14. This accomplishment marks a significant moment in the university’s sports history, as it is only the second instance of a UVM team claiming a national title within the last year.
UVM Men’s Rugby Team Championship Details
Unlike traditional varsity sports like soccer and basketball, rugby at UVM is not classified as a varsity sport. The men’s and women’s teams participate outside the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). They compete in the National Collegiate Rugby’s Division II, which consists of over 100 teams across various regional conferences.
Undefeated Season and Key Players
The championship win capped off a perfect season for the UVM men’s rugby team. Throughout the Division II tournament, they defeated their opponents with significant margins. Jack Worobel, a senior mechanical engineering major and player on the team, expressed his disbelief at the win, stating, “It really hasn’t even set in yet.”
- Final Score: UVM 71 – University of Chicago 5
- Game Date: December 14
- Team Formation: Established in 1970
- Team Size: 15 players on the field per game
Gameplay Overview
In rugby, players advance the ball by either running or kicking it, but forward passes are not permitted. Points are primarily scored through “tries,” worth five points each, achieved by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area.
Building Strong Team Bonds
Worobel highlighted the importance of camaraderie among the players over the past four years as a driving factor behind their success. Many players have remained together since their freshman year. He emphasized that the team’s unity and support for one another were crucial to their achievement.
Historical Context
The UVM men’s rugby team’s national title comes just a year after the university’s men’s soccer team triumphed in the NCAA Division I championship. Additionally, UVM boasts six NCAA championships in skiing, with the most recent title won in 2012.
This historic victory in rugby not only brings pride to the team but also enhances the university’s reputation in competitive sports.
