The past Labor Day Weekend the Men of Saint Louis University Rugby launched their inaugural Rugby Ambassador Program.

Created by Head Coach Justin Whitton in conjunction with the Saint Louis Old Boys alumni association, the program aims to bring rugby to rural farm communities throughout the Midwest that have a history of strong athletic programs but have not been exposed to the sport of rugby. The intent is to not only broaden the rugby fan base throughout America, but also to encourage the creation of High School Rugby programs in non-traditional areas by scheduling all non-conference exhibition rugby matches in rural farm communities and providing fans with a hands-on rugby education.

High School rugby is prevalent on both coasts, major cities, and within private schools, but is rarely found in smaller rural farm communities in the Midwest that often have extensive football fans and programs that could easily be added to the rugby community in America.

On Saturday the squad played both Washington University and Eastern Illinois University on the Casey-Westfield High School Football field in Casey, Illinois, population 2,744. Casey has recently been known for being home to the World's Largest mailbox, pitchfork, rocking  chair, wind chime, mailbox, and wooden nickel. Labor Day weekend is the town's annual Popcorn Festival.  

Washington University and Saint Louis University are five miles apart in St. Louis, Mo., but both squads traveled 150 miles east to play an exhibition match. Eastern Illinois University is 36 miles from Casey, Illinois and the University traditional draws many students from the surrounding farm communities.  

On Saturday all three programs met with the local principal and athletic director and assisted in preparing the field. Prior to the first kickoff all squads kneeled and said a group prayer for the Mercer family and for Patrick Mercer, a Kansas City rugby player who recently was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Saturday's matches were dedicated in young Patrick Mercer's honor.

The first game of the day saw Saint Louis University play local rival Washington University in a full 15s match. Immediately following the match all three programs also played full matches of 7s in front of the local crowd. Throughout the game players not on the field provided fans with brochures explaining the basics of the game and answered questions as the games progressed. The brochure included the history of the sport to include how rugby was the predecessor to football in America. Most fans in attendance were impressed with the physicality of the game, as well as the continuous play. Many in attendance asked if we could play there again in the future.

All teams were hosted in the local park in conjunction with the towns annual Popcorn Festival which runs all weekend long. The squads were provided food and refreshments from a local smokehouse. The Men of Saint Louis University stayed the weekend by camping in the local park alongside many of the locals.  

On Sunday all members of the squad attended mass, followed by a buffet brunch that was paid for by a generous donation by a local family. The men then viewed a local 9-11 Memorial that is constructed annually by a local woodworker in which a cross is erected to honor each and every single American citizen that lost their life during the tragedies on 9-11. The men then worked with the Casey In Action non-profit organization and performed community service. Their afternoon was spent repairing damaged fencing at the local park.  

All three squads enjoyed their time in the local community and were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by all members of the township. The Saint Louis University Rugby Club along with the S.L.O.B. alumni association have extended an offer to the town to fully fund any High School Rugby program they may wish to form in the near future.