Rugby is the sport from which football in North America developed. The biggest difference compared to football is that in Rugby neither forward passing nor blocking is allowed. As a result, the ball has to be advanced down the playing field by hard running and skilful lateral or backward passing. After a tackle is made, play does not stop. Therefore there is much greater continuity in the game than there is in football.

The object of the game is for two teams, each of fifteen (15) players, to score as many points as possible. This is achieved, according to the Laws and in a sporting manner, by carrying, passing, kicking and finally grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area for a TRY (5 points). The wide variation in playing skills and physical requirements needed to play Rugby means that there is an opportunity for all individuals regardless of age, shape, size and ability to participate actively on Ottawa Irish teams.

The Ottawa Irish Rugby Club, founded in 1963 is a member of the Ontario Rugby Union. Because of the cold weather, Rugby is played during the summer months everywhere in Canada, except in British Columbia. The Ottawa Irish’s, playing season runs from May until October. League games are played between other clubs in the city, as well as against teams in Montreal, Kingston, Brockville, Gatineau and Perth. During October, there is a cup competition which all clubs in Ontario are invited to enter. The Ottawa Irish RC is among the leading clubs in the National Capital region. Training and practice for each season start early in March.

The advantages of playing Rugby with the Ottawa Irish include: -

Team Sport
Rugby is a team sport played by both men and women. Games are played on a segregated basis, but skills coaching can be done together. Since teams do not have distinct offensive and defensive, everyone has an opportunity to play and to handle the ball. All players are expected to be able to pass and catch, tackle and break tackles. The ball handling skills are unmatched in other Canadian sports. The development of the sense of space, timing and teamwork are even greater than those in basketball. The total number of sets of hands involved in a well-worked TRY is much greater than in a score in basketball.
The OIRC runs three Men’s senior teams and two Women’s sides. In addition, there are junior and minor teams for both boys and girls. These teams also take part in league competitions during the summer months starting at the end of the school year.

Fitness Essential
Although there are some stoppages in Rugby, these do not occur after every tackle. A well-played game requires all members of the team-- both backs and forwards-- to run great distances as they work to retrieve the ball and launch another attack. Playing this way for 80 minutes requires a high level of fitness. In particular, the aerobic requirements are considerably higher than for other team sports.
As a preparation for the playing season, the OIRC organizes an annual St.Patrick’s 10K Run which is held on March 17 or on the Saturday before St.Patrick’s Day. The Run assists players to build up their fitness level as the playing season approaches. During the playing season particular emphasis is placed on conditioning and strength training, particularly for younger players.

Decision Making
Rugby develops the skills of agility, mobility, running, reaction and tackling. In addition, the speed and continuity in play requires rugby players to continue to react, scan and process information rapidly. Each player must be able to make decisions on his or her own because pre-planned set plays have only a limited role in the game. This has resulted in Rugby being often referred to as the ‘Thinking Player’s Sport’. Ottawa Irish coaches are asked to place particular emphasis on safety and skills development. The latest coaching techniques as well as a scrummage machine are used to achieve this.

Low Cost
Equipment costs to play Rugby are quite reasonable. Other than boots, shorts and socks, the main item, which needs to be purchased, is a scrumcap. It is designed to protect the ears and is much like the 1920s football helmet, only a little softer. Players can also opt to wear light foam padding over their torsos beneath their team jersey.

Safety First
Since Rugby does not have the padding football has, some parents worry about injuries. But coaches who have played both games say that playing a tackle sport without pads forces you to use good tackling and driving techniques. With the absence of heavy equipment, there is also less temptation for players to be reckless. A study by the American College of Sports Medicine discovered that the incidence of injury rate for individual rugby players is a very low 10%, in contrast to over 50% for football.

The Ottawa Irish plays its home games at Twin Elm Rugby Park in Nepean. The Park has five full size rugby fields as well as changing facilities & showers and a clubhouse. Twin Elm is owned and operated by the Ottawa Irish RC together with three other local clubs. The main field, stands and bleachers have been approved by Rugby Canada for hosting international games.

Good Conduct
In most sports, athletes often follow their role models. However it is regrettable that coaches often have to persuade their players to emulate what they see their heroes do during the game, and not what they do on the sidelines. Rugby is a little different. Disputing the referee’s decision, excessive celebration after scoring and playing to the crowd is simply not part of the game at any level. Good sportsmanship is an essential requirement of the game.

Lifetime Activity
Rugby is a game for life. Children start to play as young as eight years old. Initially games are touch or flag Rugby, which do not involve contact. The Ottawa Irish has a Minor Rugby Program, which introduces the sport to boys and girls at an early age. This provides an opportunity for additional exercise for young players at a time when there is concern about child obesity. At these sessions, tackling is gradually introduced as players become older and more experienced. Following competitive and league rugby careers, players are able to continue to play social rugby. Former Ottawa Irish players periodically play games against other local golden oldie teams and touring veteran sides.

Social Sport
The social side of Rugby remains as important as what happens on the field. Camaraderie and post-game gatherings are key elements, which all rugby clubs promote. As a result, being a player and a member of a club means that you are part of a very sociable and friendly community. Younger players always enjoy a snack and a soft drink at the end of games or training sessions. Social members, former players, parents and friends participate and are always welcome at Ottawa Irish social events which are held throughout the year.

World Wide
Not only are rugby clubs found in every Canadian province but also in most other countries. International games in Europe routinely draw between 60,000 to 80,000 spectators. There are opportunities for rugby tours both within Canada and to play against clubs overseas.  Because of the international nature of the sport, it is possible to travel to most countries anywhere in the world, find a rugby club and immediately make new friends.

Tours by the Ottawa Irish have included visits to British Columbia and Washington DC as well to Europe (Scotland & England, and to Ireland). Several club members have played for teams overseas and recently both the Canadian Men’s (Al Charron) and Women’s (Sherri Sparling) teams were captained by members of the Ottawa Irish RC.

Rising Popularity
Rugby is the team sport of choice of an increasing number of players, both male and female. This growth in participation is particularly marked at the school and junior levels. Similarly, the sport in the mini and minor age groups is growing rapidly. This reflects the higher level of physical activity and direct involvement, which can be obtained by playing Rugby when compared to other sports, and also to its relatively inexpensive equipment costs. Participation is expected to receive a further boost in the run up to the Rugby World Cup to be held in France (with some games in Scotland & Wales) during September and October 2007.