The hard-hitting Lady Bulldogs

On another chilled night at Fresno State, the Women’s Club Rugby Team is hard at work practicing for another upcoming match. For three nights a week every week these women practice from late into the night regularly ending at nine o’clock. It is difficult and has its challenges but the team of over 30 girls is better for it.

One of the dedicated athletes is senior Regan Garner who has been with the team for five years. She personally knows some of the struggles that come along with being in a club sport at Fresno State.

“So we don’t have the financial incentives that football and other athletic sports do have but we actually pay dues to the club even play. It’s a lot but the girls make it fun,” Garner said.

With the team having no financial incentives to continue playing as other athletic sports at Fresno State do, it comes down to playing for each other and for the love of the sport. Saffron Lovas said playing for the rugby team is a way to be part of close friendships that will last a lifetime.

“It definitely is a community but like having this rugby team really solidifies like friendships that you are going to have for a really long time and we all genuinely get along and love each other,” Lovas said.

With the sport having regularly scheduled matches every Saturday, it takes a lot from the numerous coaches to get the team game ready. Assistant coach Frederik Fourie played rugby professionally in South Africa and eventually switched to coaching men and women.

“I really enjoy it. It’s a new challenge for me. I think it’s all about attitude and how what you bring to the game and to practice, and we make it work,” Fourie said.