Rugby League Jalisco

Rugby League in the USA and Canada are growing and have history with the code. But it is Latin America that the code of league is also spreading to and gaining traction, slowly but it is getting there. Guillermo Ruiz Buenrostro is heading up the effort in getting the game to the masses and growing the game as much as possible, even if the odds are stacked he continues on. (Spanish translation coming soon)
LLR- What position do you hold with Rugby League Jalisco?

GRB-I'm the Development Officer, currently in charge of managing the new teams and provide them with both sports development planning and contact with other teams.
LLR- When was Rugby League Jalisco founded?
GRB- Officially, we were founded in 2014, after a series of problems with the rugby union teams and federation. Our teams were always the outliers, not just because we played rugby league in a world of rugby union, but because our teams were working-class from the beginning, with zero budget. 
LLR- What does rugby league offer in Mexico that other sports don't, why should people play rugby?
GRB- We believe that rugby in general, and rugby league in particular, offer a true team sport. While it is true that soccer, baseball and basketball have larger fan bases, we believe rugby league is a sport especially well suited to promote friendship; brotherhood, we like to say. Also, rugby league, being a simpler sport than rugby union, promotes a fast gameplay and allows for greater flexibility than rugby union. We also believe it is safer, thanks to the absence of a contested scrum and the lack of a mountain of players in a tackle. Our rules are adapted to the Mexican reality, therefore we can play in a number of different pitches and surfaces. We even have played games in basketball courts made of concrete. Being flexible and safer, it allows us to have mixed-gender and mixed-age teams.

LLR- How many players are there?
GRB- We have four teams in Jalisco, each team wit as little as six players and as much as twenty, but it varies because rugby league is still very amateur. Currrently we have 25 active rugby league players registered with us.

LLR- In the last 5 years how much has rugby league grown in Jalisco and Mexico as a whole?
GRB- Very little, because the circumstances push against us. We have no sponsorships, because we have no time to look for them. We're working-class players and choosing between working and playing we have to chose work. However, when we started we were just a couple rogue teams, one in Mexico city, one in Guadalajara. There is obvious growth but also a huge potential to grow.
LLR- We recently saw Chile join this year the Americas world cup qualifier tournament, is there a goal in the foreseeable future to have Mexico participate also?
GRB- Yeah, about that, it was a shame what happened. We tried desperately to obtain funds to travel to Chile. We had a national team assembled, but we lacked funds to send them to Chile. We only got funds to pay for five plane tickets, obviously not enough tor the whole team. Money and distance played against us. So we want to secure funds in advance for the next edition of the tournament but different circumstances have precluded us from participating on international tournaments.

LLR- What is the relationship between rugby league and union like where you are?
GRB- Currently, one of mutual disdain. Rugby union players tend to have money and therefore look at us like if we're poor, which we are. And we look at them and we believe they're spoiled kids that don't want to play with us because our stuff is not enough for them. Back in 2013 a couple teams didn't want to play against one of our teams because the field was not as smooth as they wanted it to be. Another team didn't want to play against us because we retire from the player down after the tackle, as in rugby league, and they wanted to have mountains of players in each ruck. 

LLR- Are there any important dates coming up that people should keep a eye on?
GRB- Yeah! The 16th of March we expect to have a friendship tournament in Mexico City, and if we secure funding, we'll have an Origins cup in November in Guadalajara.
LLR- Is there anything you want to share that wasn't asked that others should know?
GRB- Just that people can Join the Dark Side of Rugby. We have cookies. If you're interested in playing with friends we can train you for free when and where you want, and register to play on the next tournament.

LLR- Lastly how can people get in touch with you and also fallow rugby league in Mexico?
GRB- We have presence in Facebook and Twitter, and a webpage where you can register to play, get the rules and contact us. Schools that contact us can request a development and training class, free of charge, as well as free registration. 

https://rugbyleaguejalisco.com   

https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueJalisco/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RugbyLeagueJalisco/

https://twitter.com/RugbyLeagueJal

SJSU- Women of Sparta !

There have been a few posts in the past on the men's program at SJSU, this time around I believe it is time for the women of Sparta to get the spot light. Even though the program has it's beginnings from several years ago it wasn't till recently that a revival and dedication from a few have now began to have this program blossoming and booming with participation numbers. Tiffany Lopez, current club president and fullback was gracious enough to answer some questions for LLR. I hope you all enjoy and fallow these remarkable women on their journey because soon they  will be Eagles! 

How did you find rugby ?

- I asked a friend of mine (previous president) If she could send me her game schedule so I can watch a game or two and she invited me to practice. It took me a week or so to get the courage to go and try it. After trying my first practice, I instantly fell in love with the sport. I spent most of my time watching All Blacks and Eagles videos and reading the rules of the game.

When did the club start?

The club was originally founded over a decade ago, however, it did not survive past the original team. in 2017, a student decided she wanted to revive it. The club was not able to take off with a team of 15 let alone a full roster of 23. Last year, we struggled to make 15 again but decided that we want to get this program fired up and ready to take on our conference. We currently have 39 girls rostered on USA Rugby for our team.

What conference does the team play in ?

West Coast Division II Women's Conference

Any team traditions worth sharing?

None yet. However, we are establishing a great foundation for our program now.

How is recruitment of new players every year?

Our hopes are to have at least 10-15 new players every year, especially after we started with 5 returning players and now have 39 on the team this year.

Is there a dedicated field for the women's rugby team to play on ?

Unfortunately not. Our club sports are given half of the School's Football field to practice on for our designated days and times, which we are very grateful for, however, we do have limited time to set up and take down when it comes to Game Days. We are booked up with a few other sports. This can cause a bit of panic and chaos for our team as we try to mentally and physically prepare on game day.

What's some struggles the team faces ?

Because our team is new, we work really hard to make a name for ourselves. We have to spend a lot of time reaching out to other organizations, individuals and students to support our team whether it be financially, fanatically or socially. We like to volunteer and spend some of our free time helping out other organizations in order to show our community that the SJSUWRC understands the humility, humbleness and sacrifice it takes on and off the field to become a great rugby player and athlete.

What has been some highlights for yourself and the team since you have been with them ?

One of my biggest highlights was winning our division at a Sevens Tournament held at CSUMB at the end of our season. We played some tough teams, yet were able to come out victoriously. We worked every day, some days twice a day, to get ourselves better conditioned and better equipped to play. Our team bonding and hard work seemed to pay off. After that, our 5 returning players, including myself, decided to make this year the bets year that SJSUWRC has ever had.

What is your opinion on the status of women's rugby in the US?

I think it is becoming a bigger thing now. Before, I know that female rugby players are naturally labelled as masculine and barbaric. But I think that unfair opinion is now slowly dying out. I have spent the past 20 years in physical sports while competing and winning nationally for Taekwondo with 15 years and collegiately for Judo. I have been lucky to have supportive peers, family and coaches in my life that encouraged my siblings and I to be strong athletes and love what we do just like any other male athlete. This is what I want for my program. To encourage all women, no matter your age, sexual orientation, identity, religious preference or lifestyle.

What would you like to see done to further the game for all levels of female players?

I would love to see more social awareness of local clubs. All of these clubs have so much to offer for boys and girls of all ages. In my hometown area, we have a few clubs not to far, however, you do not see many young girls playing. I think it would be great to share the culture and support that rugby has to offer in order to empower other young women to pursue whatever may come during or after rugby, as well.

Is there one particular player you would like to meet and why ?

I had the opportunity to briefly meet Porsha Woodman after the 2018 World Cup in San Francisco. Luckily after I volunteered for the event, I was chosen to be a part of the awards ceremonies for each winning team. I follow her on Social Media and think she is a fantastic rugby player on and off of the field. She shows so much mana, and positive pride that helps to encourage young women that we can face injury and setbacks, yet still come back and come out stronger than before. Her and her team, the Black Ferns, often give back to their community and show how appreciative for the love and support they receive.

How can people follow you and the women of Sparta rugby club?

We have a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sjsuwrc and 

Instagram: @sjsu_womensrugby

Final closing words, any opinions, thoughts or heads up to pass along to the public?

At first I was apprehensive about the commitment and joining after I already retired my athletic career in Taekwondo after 15 years of competing. However, I decided that I wanted to give it a go. This was the best choice I made in college. I met new friends who are now family. Some times new doors open in life and you ahem to take advantage while they are still open.