Matt O'Brien
Staff Reporter

When most NIACC students think of Mason City sports, they most likely think of baseball, basketball, football and soccer, but probably not rugby.

It just so happens that Mason City has a rugby team that has been around for about 30 years and some NIACC students are starting to participate in it.

NIACC sophomore Jeff Milbrath is one of the students that decided to take a chance on the sport of rugby.

"I started playing in the spring of last year," Milbrath said. "My neighbor is Dave Brown and he recruited me into playing for the River City Rugby Football Club of Mason City."

Dave Brown, an assistant coach and player for the River City Rugby team, has been playing and coaching for approximately 20 years.

"I played soccer in college," Brown said. "When I moved to Mason City, I took up rugby." The River City Rugby Club is comprised of individuals ranging in age from 18 years old to 55 years old and is in a league with teams consisting of Iowa City, Iowa Falls and Muscatine to name a few.

At first glance, many people might think rugby is a difficult sport to learn but Milbrath disagrees.

"When I first started, I thought it (rugby) was complicated," Milbrath said. "But after a couple practices, I started to catch on."

Rugby is rough and physically exhilarating, so it requires individuals to be in good shape because of the constant running.

"You need to be physically fit," Brown said. "You also can't be afraid of contact because rugby can be rough."

Milbrath agreed with Brown's comments on the physical toll of rugby.

"I think rugby is physically draining," Milbrath said. "It's non-stop and there are no time-outs."

River City Rugby is also big on team spirit and learning from each other.

"Rugby is a total team sport where everyone gets involved," Brown said. "River City Rugby is a social group and everybody has a lot of fun."

Milbrath said he learned a great deal while playing rugby.

"Rugby teaches you a lot about teamwork, camaraderie and hard work," Milbrath said.

Milbrath said he wants to continue to play rugby after his two years at NIACC are up.

"I'd like to continue playing with River City Rugby," Milbrath said. "Hopefully, the school I transfer to after NIACC has a rugby club team."

River City Rugby Football Club of Mason City is still looking for players, as they are low in numbers.

"Anybody can play," Milbrath said. "All we need are warm bodies."

No experience is necessary to play for the River City Rugby Club and practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Hoover Elementary school in Mason City.

For more information on the River City Rugby Club, contact Jeff Milbrath at (641)-423-6878 or Dave Brown at (641)-423-6100.