One man who recently made Sudbury home is trying to revive one of the world?s most popular sports here.
Rich Rudolph has played competitive rugby for more than a decade and would like nothing better to continue to play the game he loves in Sudbury.
The problem is Sudbury hasn?t fielded a competitive rugby team in almost a decade. While the sport has millions of participants around the world, it?s never become mainstream in Canada, even though we do have a national team which has qualified for numerous World Cups.
However, that lack of mainstream appeal isn?t going to stop Rudolph from trying to form a team. He?s been distributing posters in and around town for the past several weeks.
?I started distributing flyers and I got a few calls, so I think there?s some interest out there,? said Rudolph, who recently moved to Sudbury from eastern Ontario.
?We?re going to need 25 guys at least to field a competitive team, but the goal right now is to get some guys, start practising and get in some exhibition games and then maybe we can apply to join the Ontario Rugby Union for next season.?
?I just happen to think rugby is a fantastic game,? he said.
If you like body contact, competition, an unbelievable workout, camaraderie and a great time, it?s a sport with a lot of appeal to a lot of people from different walks of life, he said.
?If I can get some interest going, I think things could take off,? he said.
Anyone interested in forming a men?s rugby team in Sudbury is asked to contact Rudolph at 693-9358.
?Keith Lacey
