Johnnie rugby wins first game of the season against Moorhead

The SJU rugby team started their season 1-0, following a 30-12 win this past Saturday against Moorhead. With much of the season still ahead of them, the Johnnies said they look to keep winning in the future. Sophomore Jayden Forniel, who plays fly half, said he is looking forward to one of the team’s next matchups against St. Thomas (MN).

“I am looking forward to the St. Thomas game the most. It is at home this year and they knocked us out last year in the regional round, so we are looking to get them back,” Forniel said.

Forniel said his draw to the sport was immediate. With never having heard of rugby before attending St. John’s, he said he could feel the brotherhood right away with the sense of tradition and the alumni network.

“During games being able to see former players that were not around when I was playing is cool. They love to support our team at games and it’s funny to see them take pictures in their old blue coats that they used to wear,” Forniel said.

The blue coat that the rugby players wear is a sign of being a part of the Blue Coat Society. It’s worn by players who show great leadership and those who are deemed ready in the eyes of graduating seniors who wear the coat. Each coat is distinct because of a singular patch that players add, distinguishing each coat from any other. Forniel said he believes that he has seen the sport evolve on campus since arriving at St. John’s.

“Our mission is to get rugby to become a varsity sport. We have seen the sport grow in many ways by adding 20 rookies this season, including 13 freshmen,” Forniel said.

Like Forniel, many on the team had no experience playing rugby before joining the team as a first-year. As they continue their season, the team is looking to continue to grow their chemistry and trust. Junior Thomas Moore, a flanker, says that the team loves to grow that bond together.

“After practices, we hang out at Lake Sagatagan. After games, we host our team, parents and opponents to a post-game social,” Moore said. “Rugby is a tough and risky sport. We have to be able to trust and support each other on and off the field.
By having these social events, we continue to grow that trust in each other.”

Moore, like many others, did not plan on joining the rugby team right away.

“To start the year, I did not have many friends. A friend of my sister who attended St. John’s reached out to me about joining. I figured I would give it a try,” Moore said.

Three years later, a member of the Blue Coat Society, Moore said he has never looked back on his decision to join the team.
According to Timmy Flynn, a junior forward, the team has big goals and aspirations going forward this season.

“One long-term goal we have as a team is making nationals this year in Houston, Texas. We also need to take it game by game. [We’re] putting all of our focus and energy into each game while staying healthy.” Flynn said.

To get to nationals, teams must first win their state, then win the regionals, which take place in November. As team president, Flynn said his favorite part of the season so far has been welcoming new members.

“Seeing all of the freshmen who joined [is my favorite part]. They all seem super interested, engaged, and watching them play is rewarding for us,” Flynn said.