USA Features

Tempe Backline in San Fran-1997

Tempe Rugby Football Club Team Feature

As a member of the Tempe Rugby Football Club (Temperugby.com) going on my 14th year, and now serving as the club president, I can not tell you how proud I have been of the Men in Black over the years.  There are a few select words that come to mind, which best describe the Tempe RFC for me....grassroots-based, competitors, diverse, and grounded in camaraderie.

CLICK HERE for the Tempe Rugby Football Club Photo Gallery.

Grassroots-

Unlike some of the other successful clubs around the nation, Tempe RFC does not receive an influx of foreign players or fiscal resources from feeder countries like South Africa, New Zealand, or England each season.  Instead, the core of our club is grassroots and consists of individual players from all over the world who have chosen to make Arizona their permanent home. 

On occasion, aspiring athletes from the United States U-20 squads travel to Arizona to train with the club under the tutelage of Lee Redlegs (Head Coach) Salty Thompson (Assistant Coach and USA U-20 Head Coach), Trevor Harrison (Asst Coach and Former US and Canadian National Player), and Brent Owens (Asst Coach).  Their time under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff and the mentorship of current Tempe RFC players helps prepare them for international-level competition.

Competitors-

These athletes don't make the sacrifices that amateur club rugby requires for contracts, employment, or even a small stipend.  Instead, they battle each weekend for a chance to call themselves National Champions. 

Since 1980, Tempe's resume includes two trips to the Men's Club DII National Finals, numerous trips to the National Sweet 16, Pacific Coast Championships, and more Arizona Rugby Football Union titles than any other club in Arizona.  Each year, a National Title is our club's number one goal.  It's this intense desire that fuels our club members and sets the club culture each season. 

Tempe's competitive nature can be described as determined, and our style of rugby is old school no-nonsense and physical.  Led by a powerful pack and a talented backline, each and every man who is lucky enough to wear black for Tempe RFC knows his responsibility when he steps onto the pitch. 

Regardless of a players' skill level or experience, that responsibility each season is to train hard, improve skills and fitness, pressure the opposition until the whistle blows, hit hard and make solid tackles, be an athlete, and beat the man across from you, and by consistently embracing these maxims, winning takes care of itself. 

It is a direct result of this philosophy that the best players Tempe has to offer have gone on to compete at the state, regional, national, and international select levels, including the USA Eagles.  Others have gone on to lead other successful men’s rugby clubs and to compete/train on foreign soil.   

Diversity and Camaraderie -

While the majority of our athletes call Arizona home, club membership is quite diverse in that it comprises immigrants from all over the world including England, Ireland, South Africa, Tonga, Samoa, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico to name a few. 

Additionally, we've members working in diverse blue- and white-collar sectors including, but not limited to education, law, medicine, technology, construction, science, government, business, and the military. 

Our age demographic is another example of the club's diversity.  While the average age of the club is between 28-33, our youngest players are in their late teens and our oldest in their mid-fifties. 

Finally, from a social standpoint, our membership represents men in varied places in their lives.  Some players have just graduated college and are on the prowl for professions in the classifieds, for singles in the bars and clubs, and to find themselves in their new found independence.  Other players are respected husbands, fathers, and leaders well established and respected in their families, professions, and communities. 

Despite the differences, and what I consider to be one of the strengths of the Tempe RFC, the club culture is grounded in support, trust, and camaraderie amongst the players, coaches, and our supporters.  Everyone gets along so well...On and Off the pitch.

Hal D. Morgan
President (2008)
Tempe RFC

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