Rugby Texas gets some action going this coming weekend with a controlled-scrimmage jamboree called Ruggapalooza.

It’s a great way to ease players into live rugby. Memorial HS Coach Jeff Burns said the event is “baptism without the fire. We get a lot of players who are completely new to the game, and so this is an opportunity for them to get out there, make a real tackle, and see what playing against opposition is like.”

The experience of playing in live situations is often one that energizes those players, and gets them to recruit more to the team, said Burns.

Teams will play each other under controlled situations. Each teams gets five scrum possessions, and then five lineout possessions, and then five restart possessions. Coaches are allowed on the field to help facilitate good rugby. After those possessions, if it seems to make sense, the two teams will play some open rugby for a short period. 

Sixteen boys HS plus six girls 7s teams will be in action. 

St. Thomas HS Coach James Wolfinger said that the controlled scrimmage aspect really helps his coaching.

“It’s beneficial for us because we’re able to get on the field and help the players get used to it,” said Wolfinger. “We’re able to work with the refs as well.”

St. Thomas is looking to make a push this year with some talented veterans such as flanker/center Griffin Maat, captain and halfback Robbie Bishop, and prop Sam Yeboah.

For Memorial the story is about rebounding from a down year last season. 

Also in action, Cy-Fair, Kingwood, Lamar, and Viper out of DI. DII teams include Strake Jesuit, Alamo Heights, Westside, Warlords, Timber Creek, and the B sides of several of the DI teams.

The Girls 7s teams include Kingwood (two teams), Katy (two teams), Lamar, and Carnegie Vanguard.