Sports
Video: Vienna Youth Rugby Teams Compete In Statewide Tournament
Sport is growing in Vienna and the county, coaches say.
Baseball and swimming have traditionally dominated the summer sports landscape in Vienna.
Until rugby came along.
Over the last few years, the sport – most easily described as a mix between football and soccer – has started to make a name for itself, attracting children from six to 17 years old. All kids in Vienna Youth Inc. Rugby that are under 11 years old play a touch version of the game; those who are older have the option of playing touch or tackle.
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Last weekend, VYI send several teams to 2011 Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia, a two-day, statewide tournament in Springfield.
Fairfax County Sup. Pat Herrity proclaimed the weekend "Youth Rugby Day" in Fairfax County.
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Typically, teams compete against the other 11 clubs that are part of the Northern Virginia Youth Rugby League, some of which have been around since 2000. Others, like Vienna, are relatively new to the region.
"We've had great growth this year. We only had about 20 kids out last year and this year we've got about 60 total kids for our U9 and U11 squads," said Rob Mooney, an assistant coach with the U11 squad.
Mooney, a water polo player in college, said he was familiar with the sport because several of his roommates were on the rugby team. He learned the sport in and out to coach this year.
"Rugby is a very popular sport for kids now. It's rapidly growing," he said.
Results:
U9 side went 4-0, beating Richmond in the final.
Tournament MVP for the U9s was Jordan McMillen of Vienna Rugby.
U11 #1 side went 2-1
U11 #2 side went 1-2
U13s: Undefeated and second place overall to cup winner Springfield. U13s had three wins and one tie, but lost on tie breaker kicks to a Springfield team they had already beaten handily earlier in the day. The 11-man squad had no substitutions and played 100 minutes of unbeaten rugby in 95 degree heat.
U15s went 1-2 in the tournament and played strong rugby throughout.
Watch the video in the media player above for highlights of the tournament and to hear coaches and players talk about the sport, the league and why they play.
