Dain's Fairfax Eagles Rugby League Update

So far our season is three games underway and we have a flurry of away games coming up.

The Fairfax Eagles are part of the American National Rugby League (AMNRL) and we play several teams throughout the East Coast from DC to Philly to New York. As a rather new player to Rugby League I am still learning a little bit. Our imports from Australia have been good in teaching the game and we have a decent core of players. The rest of the team is composed of players from NOVA, Western Suburbs, Quantico and Washington Rugby Club.

Read More for Dain's experience playing RL, and a video of NZ vs. Australia League match.

The first things I noticed (other than no rucks, mauls, line-outs) is the running. There is more running than I thought. Since you can’t lean on a ruck when you’re tired (not that I do that Murray, I was just theoretically saying), you have to keep moving. This is more of a collision sport so hitting the gaps at full speed is required, as is coming up from the line fast. Instead of letting go of the ball you keep it for a set of six and get rid of it. Besides that, the still set is the same. Running, keeping low, the Gessner dummy…all can apply here.

A union player should be able to come over without much confusion and fit in. If you’re a back line player like a fly-half, center or even a flanker you will have an easy time with this game as it’s pretty much the same thing. Scrums are uncontested ( you can contest them, people just don’t), and there is feeding. You can check out the video for some idea on how it’s played. Note from Koz: I'm working on getting a Fairfax Eagles match video on here, but until then enjoy the New Zealand - Australia video below.

Fairfax has away games against the Sharks, Aston Bulls, the Philly Fight and one home game left. Match results and schedule can be found here. If you want to see the Eagles in action feel free to come out.

Practice is Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 pm to 10 pm - Poplar Tree Park, 4718 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, Virginia. Field # 2.