After a Sweet 16 appearance at Nationals last year, the nationally ranked Saint Louis University Rugby club team hopes to advance further into the post-season tournament this year.  According to RugbyMag.com, SLU currently ranks eighth in the nation among Division II colleges.

Even with such a winning history, what matters to the team is not just winning games but rather “promoting a sport that, for us as a team, is the best sport in the world,” senior team captain Kelly Mercer.

But then again, it is even more than that.

“Rugby is not just a sport; it’s the biggest fraternity in America,” Mercer said.

While Mercer and his teammates have been undefeated in conference matches since 2007 and are capable of winning Nationals this year, the team’s primary goal is to “demonstrate the culture and personality of this unique sport,” Mercer said.

The fraternal aspect of the game extends beyond the players and up to head coach Jason Whitton.

“Rugby is half on the field, half off the field,” Whitton said.  “There is a sense of camaraderie and culture associated with the sport that never changes.”

Not only do experienced rugby veterans recognize this important aspect of the game, but it is something that even the newest players pick up quickly.  Freshman Jimmy Harrison attributes much of the team’s early success to their “ability to grow together as a team.”

Off the field, SLU Rugby participates in several service programs that “provide a community feeling that leads to success on the field,” Whitton said.

The team has adopted a child with cancer through a program called Friends of Jacqueline and has participated in other St. Louis programs, such as St. Baldrick’s and Angels’ Arms.

While off-the-field programs have created team unity, on-the-field success will come through a focus on the new players.

“We’ve been blessed with a lot of new players who are interested in learning and who have a passion for the game,” Mercer said.  “The key to our success will be getting the new players integrated into our team so we can move as one on the field.”

While the primary goal of the team members may be to promote rugby, the team is aware of their rare shot at a national title.

“Winning Nationals is just a matter of putting in the work,” Whitton said.

Although the team faces opponents with larger student bodies and more funding, “we keep winning, and with the talent we have this year, we will keep getting better,” Whitton said.

Leading the way to Nationals is a core group of solid upperclassmen, some of whom have had international rugby experience, including senior Matt Strohm.  Strohm previously played for the London Wasps, a top-ranked team in England’s highest rugby league.

To build on that international experience, the club team hopes to travel to Ireland for spring break, touring the country and competing along the way.

“I’m looking forward to the new style of play,” Harrison said.  Freshman and first-time rugby player Trevor Hash is also looking forward to the trip, citing it as an occasion “to grow as a player, and more importantly, as a team.”

With several wins already, the club begins the journey to Nationals this Saturday with their first cup match of the season against Missouri University of Science and Technology.  SLU’s next home match will be on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Forest Park against Washington University.