- Spartans Heading To Nationals -

In the last four decades of San Jose State University Rugby there have been some highs and some lows. But by far this is the best news the Rugby club has received. After playing in qualification tournament and winning they will now be moving on to nationals this coming weekend and representing SJSU on one of the biggest stages for College Clubs in the USA.

club president Jeremy Bielby was kind enough to answer some quick question's and give us all a taste of what lies ahead for 7s program at SJSU 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

~LLR: In the past SJSU has played some 7’s rugby in the summer time, what makes this year so different from the past?

~JB: SJSU has not ever had an official 7's team until this fall. In the past SJSU students come summer time join various clubs around the bay area and southern California depending on if they go home or not for summer. This year SJSU determined that to compete on a bigger scale and be a more competitive program it was necessary to create an SJSU 7's program.

~LLR: What was the process for this fall season for SJSU to prepare for 7’s tournaments and also dealing with XV’s Pre-season matches?

~JB: The preparation that went into 7's up until the tournaments was not too much different than our 15's program. Many of the skills and game plans to an extent transfer across from 15's to 7's well. We did make sure to devote some time each week to focus on a 7's team and separate those players from the 15's program. This allowed the selected 7's players to learn one another's style and how to play together as a team and to learn the 7's game plan.

~LLR: What can we expect from SJSU in the 7’s world down the road?

~JB: SJSU and 7's has had some great success so far this season especially for never having a 7's program before and I think it will continue to be a part of rugby at SJSU down the road but most likely just be in the fall semester.

~LLR: What does going to nationals mean for SJSU rugby club, what are your goals going into nationals

~JB: Going to nationals for SJSU rugby is one of the biggest things that have happened to the club in its 41 years and especially in my 4 years with the club. It is great to be acknowledged on a national level and to be competing with the top 24 rugby clubs in the nation. Our goal is to at least win our first pool and advance and of course win the whole thing.

~LLR: What does the Club need help with and how can the Public help with travel expenses?

~JB: The club would greatly appreciate donations to help with travel costs. As SJSU Rugby is not a NCAA sport the funding from the school is not very much and is not receiving any extra from the school to help pay for travel costs to nationals. The club is a non-profit and donations can be made online at http://sjsurugby.com

*as of 11/19/13 SJSU Rugby is $3,000 shy of total funding needed