Memphis Women's Rugby

News

01/21/10: Spotlight on a Rugby Mom

Our very own EJ Dawson was featured in the Commercial Appeal's "Spotlight on Moms" section. They were looking for a "rugby mom", and EJ fit the bill, having just returned to the field this season after giving birth to her second son, Bishop (now 3 months old). EJ used the opportunity to spread the word about our fine sport and local team during a radio interview (Thursday morning on 98.9 KIM FM), and in her interview in the Commercial Appeal.

Click here to read the article online.

05/29/09-05/31/09: 2009 National All-Stars Competition

The Memphis Flamingos were represented by Taryn Causey and Liz Chancellor on the USA Rugby South Women's All-Star team in the 2009 NASC in Little Rock, AR. The South soundly defeated the West in Friday's match, but lost to the Collegiate All-American team on Sunday after a strong scoring drive in the second half.

Write-up from USA Rugby:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (report from Match Commissioner, Martin Gardner) - The Pacific Coast stole the title from defending champions the Northeast when the USA Rugby Women�s All-Star 15s Championships wrapped up at the Little Rock Rugby Complex on Sunday afternoon.

Playing before a large crowd, both teams looked set to make this a grand final and with just 6 minutes into the game Pacific #7 (Beckett Royce) was over for a try out wide to the right, to take an early 5-0 lead. Following the restart, the Northeast forced a turnover and mounted an attack. With eight minutes played, the game is tied 5-5 following a try by NE #14 (Vanesha McGee).

This seemed to energize the Pacific team, who took the game to the NE with further tries in the 13th and 25th minutes to lead 17 � 5 at the half.

In the second half both teams made some adjustments, but the Pacific team enjoyed the better chances and finished with tries in the 51st, 57th and 74th minute to round out the game as the ultimate winners with a final score of 36 � 5.

MVP of the tournament was the Pacific #15 Ashley English, who had a storming weekend of defending and entering the line on attack with great effect.

Earlier was the Tier A relegation match between Mid-Atlantic (MARFU) and the Midwest. Both teams were ready for this one and it took 20 minutes for MARFU to open the scoring and take a 5 -0 lead, another 16 minutes of back and forth play until the Midwest created an opening and pushed in a try, converted to lead at the half 7 � 5.

From the kick off again both teams defense dominated until the Midwest got a penalty in front of the posts to extend their lead to 10-5, even with two players in the Sin Bin. With one player back and just three minutes played from the restart, the Midwest got in for a try, and extended their lead to go ahead 15-5 in the 61st minute.

From the restart the MW fielded the ball and set up a flowing play combining forwards and backs to score again to make the score MW 22 - MARFU 5, which remained the final score.

TIER B
Sunday saw the start of the finals with the Tier B consolation match kicking off under clear blue skies at the Little Rock Rugby Complex. The field had been cut on the off day and had dried from Friday so a faster, surer surface promised some flowing rugby.

Cal kicked off against the West team, and at the half the West lead by a 28th minute penalty, 3-0. In the second half both sides mounted attacks but both defenses were resolute and the final score, despite So Cal�s final drive ended at 3-0 to the West.

Next up the South took on the USA All-American Collegiate team, and both teams looked motivated as they took the field. The All American�s came out attacking from the whistle, a strong South defense resulted in a turn over and the South put together a flowing move to score in the 8th minute to lead 5 � 0. The score remained 5-0 at the half with both sides creating chances but failing to score due to some great tackling by both teams.

From the second half whistle the All Americans unleashed a running attack and with just one minute played, led 7-5. The South team was not going to take that and immediately upped their game and mounted attack after attack interspersed with great defense.

The All-American squad was equally resolute and 20 minutes passed before the South created the chance, a break by the #10 sliced through the centers and they looked certain to score in the corner, but the final pass was bobbled and recovered by the AA wing who took it 99 meters to score under the posts and the lead was 14 � 5. This broke the South�s hearts if not their backs and the final score was All Americans 31 to the South 5, with the All American squad winning Tier B.

2009 Women�s All-Star Championships - Final Results

TIER A
1st/2nd � Pacific 36, Northeast 5
3rd/4th � Midwest 22, Mid-Atlantic 5

TIER 2
5th/6th � USA Collegiate All-Americans 31, South 5
7th/8th � West 3, So Cal 0

05/29/09: In loving memory of Jennifer Hanna

One week ago today, at approximately 1AM, one of our ruggers was fatally injured in a car accident on her way to a Memorial Day vacation on the Gulf Coast of Florida. She was traveling with teammates and friends, and we should all take comfort in the fact that her last memories were happy, surrounded by loved ones on a carefree roadtrip, looking forward to lazy days basking on the beach. Jennifer Hanna (we just called her "Hanna") had the true spirit of a rugger. She suffered a devestating injury to her knee during our DII Championships tournament in October 2008, and doctors initially told her she may not walk, let alone run. Two months later, she was pedaling away furiously at the stationary bike. Four months later, she was running on the treadmill. Six months later, she was outside, running 3+ miles, and planning her return to rugby. She hoped to be able to play in the 2009 DII Championships, and considering her level of determination and willpower, I have no doubt that she would have made it. Her loss has deeply affected everyone on our team, from our team founders to our rookies. Former teammates and players from other teams came together for her visitation and funeral, with ruggers traveling from Chattanooga, Hattiesburg, MS, Carbondale, IL, and even flying in from Baltimore, MD. Rugby teams from all across the country have contacted us to extend their condolences and warmest wishes. It is in times like these that I realize, we are more than a team, or even a community. We really are family. Our love and support for one another has eased the pain of this past week, and will continue to ease our journey forward. Godspeed Hanna, this next tackle's for you.

- Pi

Jennifer Hanna (April 29, 1982 - May 22, 2009)

(Read Hanna's obituary in the Commercial Appeal)

04/21/09: Spring Season Wrap-Up

Click here to read the first edition of the Flamingo Flyer.

03/04/09: South All-Star Camp Results

Several of our players travelled to Knoxville, TN, on Saturday, February 28, to participate in the South All-Stars regional mini-camp. This camp was open to all players who aspire to play upper level rugby and who have at least two years of playing experience. Attendance at this camp was a requirement to be selected for the South All-Star senior squad. After a long day of rugby skills training and fitness testing, battling harsh weather conditions (temperatures in the low 40s, and rain which later turned to snow), five of our finest players were selected to attend the Two-Day Invitational Camp on March 21-22 in Atlanta, Ga. This two-day camp will consist of instruction and implementation of the All-Star team's game plan, unit work and a scrimmage. The camp will serve as preparation for upcoming matches against the West All-Stars, MARFU-B, and National All-Stars Championships on May 29-30. Congratulations ladies!

Memphis All-Star Selections:
Taryn Causey
Liz Chancellor
Cheryl Coulson
Beth Halldorson
Torey Hunkus

04/21/09: Spring Season Wrap-Up

Click here to read the first edition of the Flamingo Flyer.

03/04/09: South All-Star Camp Results

Memphis All-Star Selections:
Taryn Causey
Liz Chancellor
Cheryl Coulson
Beth Halldorson
Torey Hunkus

11/20/08: Please welcome your 2009 Executive Board!

Elections for the 2009 Executive Board were held at the Annual General Meeting. (Team awards will be presented at the Christmas party this year. Stay tuned!)

Your 2009 team officers are:

President: Beth Halldorson
Vice-President: Adrianna Weber
Treasurer: Jennifer Hanna
Match Secretary: Christina White
Fundraising Coordinator: Liz Chancellor
Public Relations/Recruiting: Katy Broerman
Past President Placebo: Carmen Mills
Captain: Taryn Causey

10/04/08 - 10/05/08: USA Rugby South Division II Championships

The 2008 USA Rugby South Women's DII Championship tournament was held at our very own Tobey Park in Memphis this year. Teams from Orlando, Miami, and Charleston, SC came to compete for the South DII title and the chance to move on to the National Championships. Our mighty Flamingos lost a tough game against Miami on Saturday, then beat Charleston on Sunday to take third place. Orlando beat Charleston and Miami to take first place, and Orlando and Miami advanced to Nationals. Next year, Flamingos!

Full Results:
Saturday:
Orlando vs. Charleston: Orlando won 89-0
Miami vs. Memphis: Miami won 34-12

Sunday:
Memphis vs. Charleston: Memphis won 21-7
Orlando vs. Miami: Orlando won 29-0

End rankings:
1 - Orlando
2 - Miami
3 - Memphis
4 - Charleston

08/02/08: Priscilla 7s Results

Memphis hosted its first womens' 7s tournament, Priscilla 7s, in conjunction with the popular Elvis 7s tournament (hosted by the Memphis Blues.) We had teams from Baton Rouge and Maryville HS, plus an ever-changing combination of Nashville, Memphis, and Fayetteville players to form the MemVille (MemVegas) and FayMem teams, aka, Memphis-Blue & Memphis-Neon. Baton Rouge took first prize in the round-robin competition, and Callie Graves (Fayetteville) won the controversial First Annual Beehive Competition. The men entertained us with Elvis trivia and music, and of course their famous Sideburns Competition. After the women's competition, we provided a slip'n'slide and kiddie pool to relax in while watching the mens' championship rounds.

Thanks to all of the teams that came this year, and to all of our tournament volunteers who helped make this happen!

Didn't make it to the tournament? Check out our press coverage of the event:
Commercial Appeal's "Party Line" (Article) - Coming Soon!
Commercial Appeal's "Party Line" (Video)
Beehive contest contenders (Photo)

07/28/08: MWR on the News!

Ari Bergeron with ABC 24 Eyewitness Sports Everywhere attempts to explain some of rugby's unique terminology, with the help of Memphis Womens' Rugby (and "Coach" Nancy Campbell!).

Click here to watch the video on ABC's website.

06/15/08 - 06/17/08: 2008 National All-Stars Competition

Taryn Causey, Dre Cerbin, and Cheryl Coulson travelled to Pittsburgh, PA, to compete with USA Rugby South in the 2008 National All-Stars Competition. The South lost two close matches, against MARFU Dev. (12-8) and the West (13-0). The ladies played hard, and several players from the South were picked for the USA Womens' National Team pool, including our very own Taryn Causey! Being added to the pool means the WNT will look to invite these players to a WNT camp in the future for further opportunity to develop their skills and compete against each other for possible selection to an international competition.

Congratulations ladies!

Cheryl, Taryn, and Dre

Click here to see more pictures - Courtesy of Bri Renz

06/02/08: Memphis Flamingos!!

We had a successful spring season this year, and we finally decided to celebrate with an end-of-season party! (A month and a half after our last game...) Awards were given out for our Most Valuable Back (Jacque Davis), Most Valuable Forward (Sarah Weiner), and Most Valuable Player (Taryn Causey). The winners received beautiful flamingo trophies, which was the perfect way to kick off our (completely unbiased) vote for a new team mascot. It didn't come as a shock when "Flamingos" won by an overwhelming majority, considering that the birds have been a team obsession for years.

Weeeeee loooooove flamiiiiingos!

05/29/08: Summer Practices Have Begun!

Practices for the summer 7s season are being held on Thursdays at Snowden Elementary School. Practices start at 6:30PM. We also strongly encourage all players to attend the track workout held at University of Memphis (right next to our spring/fall practice space) every Tuesday at 6:00PM. Even if you aren't playing 7s this summer, it's a great way to stay in shape for the fall season!

For more information about practices (what to bring, directions, etc), see our Practice page.

04/16/08: Topz 4 Topz

Memphis Women's Rugby is trying to raise money to purchase new jerseys, and here's an easy way to help!! We will be recycling pop tops, so collect as many as you can! Whoever can fill up a gallon jug first wins a prize. Whoever brings in the most will win a prize.

"My neighbor caught me going through their recycling bin last night. Don't get caught!" - Fundraising Coordinator, Liz Chancellor

03/29/08 - 03/30/08: Memphis Takes 3rd Place at NashBash 2008!

This weekend, Nashville hosted its annual NashBash rugby tournament. Nearly 80 teams, women & men, college & club, from all across the country came to play and party. The women's senior club tournament consisted of 16 Division I and II teams - Memphis was ranked #15, a slight improvement over last year's #16 ranking. On Saturday, we started our day by shutting out the #2 seed Scioto Valley (A-Side). We kept the momentum going and won our next game against Little Rock, a close match that kept everyone on the sidelines biting their nails until the very last minute. Kudos to Ann (a rookie in her 3rd game ever!) for making that last conversion kick to give us the 12 - 10 lead, and ultimately our winning score! For the first year ever, Memphis Women's Rugby advanced to the semi-finals on Sunday! We lost to the Atlanta Harlequins, currently the South's only Division I team, but we fought hard and we played well, and we earned ourselves a new level of respect - and a much higher ranking next year.

Forwards MVP: Liz Chancellor
Backs MVP: Jacque Davis

For more tournament info:

NashBash 2008 Official Website

03/28/08: South All-Star Player Selections

After attending the South All-Stars camp in Atlanta, GA, March 1-2, four of our players were selected to participate in the next South training camp and play on the South All-Stars team in a match against the Mid-Atlantic All-Stars. The camp is being held on May 3rd, and the game is on May 4th in Raleigh, NC. Congratulations to Taryn Causey, Dre Cerbin, Liz Chancellor, and Cheryl Coulson!! One our vets, Mandy Yow (who now plays for Nashville), was also selected. Good luck against MARFU!!

01/24/08: Spring Practices Have Begun!

Practices for the Spring Season are being held on Mondays at Tobey Park (McBride Rugby Field) and Thursdays at University of Memphis, near Memorial Field. Practices start at 6:30PM sharp, so be there a few minutes early! New players are welcome to join us at anytime - we recommend contacting someone on the team before coming out, because practices times and locations are subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact Katy Broerman (PR/Recruiting) or Cheryl Coulson (Team Captain).

Visit our Practice page for more information.
Download our Welcome Packet for even MORE information (this is great for anyone interested in joining the team!).

01/07/08: We Want Your Junk!

Attention all Memphis Women�s Rugby supporters!!

I would like to announce the first (and quite possibly the easiest) fundraiser for year! Memphis Women�s Rugby is conducting a recycling fundraiser and THERE IS NOTHING TO BUY! Yep. No coupon books, raffle tickets, teeshirts or bumper stickers. Instead, we just want your old, used, empty, busted or broken junk.

(We are not collecting old TVs, VCRs, DVD players or laser printer cartridges.)

The team gets cash for recycling your junk and you get happy rainbow, Earth-lovin� karma. Hit up the family, coworkers, neighbors, or even strangers for their junk, too. The more the merrier. Junk can passed on to any player, brought to practice, or brought to a game. Heck, email me and I�ll come fetch it myself!

Your used item(s) will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished and sold. 100% of the proceeds will help fund Memphis Women�s Rugby.

Do your part to support the team! Do your part to protect the environment!
Ra ra ra!

Thanks,
Liz Chancellor, Fundraising Coordinator

12/01/07: MWR at the St. Jude's Marathon

Several of our very own ruggers (and former ruggers) ran in this weekend's St. Jude's Marathon. The event consists of a full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K.
Full Marathon: Lisa Sloan
Half Marathon: Kathleen Babilon, Taryn Causey, Jennifer Hanna, Robyn Kendall, Casey Malone (#2 in her age group!! Way to go Casey!), Lauren Parsons
Grizzlies 5K: Taryn Causey

A fan sighting at the race. (Thanks to Chug for the picture.)

For more information about the race, including results for 2007, visit http://www.stjudemarathon.org/.

11/29/07: Results of the 2007 Annual General Meeting

We held our 2007 AGM at TRO Jung|Brannen in downtown Memphis on Nov 29th, 2007. (No, Rachel, Amber did not design that building.) Our 2007 Executive Board members gave their speeches on the work they did and the progress of the team throughout the year, player awards were presented, and we elected new officers for 2008. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and of course, to all of you who won! Also, big thanks to last year's officers for the time and effort they dedicated to the team.

Click here to see our team awards.
Click here to see our team officers.

11/17/07: MWR takes 1st Place at the Hattiesburg Invitational Tournament

It was a beautiful day for rugby in Hattiesburg, MS, and defeating Baton Rouge (12-7) and USM (41-12) to win the tournament was a beautiful way to end our fall season. Kudos also to the many (5? 6?) Memphis players who filled out the Georgia Tech backline during their game against Baton Rouge - cheers of "Go Memphis-Tech!" could be heard throughout the game!

Read more about it: "Woman's Rugby hosts tournament" - Article courtesy of USM's "Student Printz" campus newspaper

10/06/07 - 10/07/07: USA Rugby South Division II Championships

Few could have predicted that a mere three years after our team was formed, we would be strong enough to go to the regional championships in Miami - let alone after being given roughly a month's notice of the location with which to prepare funds and travel arrangements. Yet here we were, traveling to Florida, to the birthplace of our patron saint: The Flamingo. We showed our honor and appreciation by taking on the name "The Memphis Flamingos" for the weekend's tournament and donning custom-made pink t-shirts with the Flamingo's image. Unfortunately, the Flamingo's fortune was not with us, as we lost to Orlando (0-51) on Saturday and Nashville (8-15) on Sunday, but we were still proud to walk away as #4 in the USA Rugby South territory. Also noteworthy is the fact that not only did we bring a full team of 15 players, but we had enough substitutes to nearly max out the allowed roster, plus a pirate!

Team photo, featuring the "Everyone look that way!" pose.

For more info: "USARS Women's DII Championship Wrap-Up " - From "Your Scrumhalf Connection" blog by Wendy Young

06/15/07: Four Memphians chosen for National Rugby Competition in Blaine, MN

Nancy Campbell, Sara Corcoran, Mandy Yow, and Beth Halldorson were selected for the USA Rugby South Panthers All Star Rugby Team for the 2007-2008 season. Members of the South�s All Star team are chosen based on performance at tryout camps held each year as well as their performance in past years and their potential for future development. With four players named to the team, Memphis ranked second for the most representation from an area club, just behind Atlanta, GA.

The Panthers competed in the USA Rugby National Championships in Blaine, MN, on June 15-17, 2007. They beat the West territory (39-20), then lost to the Southern California territory (20-25). The South All Stars moved up in the national ranking, from the #8 seed in 2007 to the #6 seed for 2008.

Sara Corcoran (2nd from left) runs up to support the ball carrier.

Visit the USA Rugby website for more information about the Senior Womens All Star 15s championships, including championship seedings and brackets, and pictures from the games.

Menu:

Last Match:

Upcoming Events:

Recent News:

Fundraisers:

News

01/21/10: Spotlight on a Rugby Mom

05/29/09-05/31/09: 2009 National All-Stars Competition

05/29/09: In loving memory of Jennifer Hanna

04/21/09: Spring Season Wrap-Up

03/04/09: South All-Star Camp Results

04/21/09: Spring Season Wrap-Up

03/04/09: South All-Star Camp Results

11/20/08: Please welcome your 2009 Executive Board!

10/04/08 - 10/05/08: USA Rugby South Division II Championships

08/02/08: Priscilla 7s Results

07/28/08: MWR on the News!

06/15/08 - 06/17/08: 2008 National All-Stars Competition

06/02/08: Memphis Flamingos!!

05/29/08: Summer Practices Have Begun!

04/16/08: Topz 4 Topz

03/29/08 - 03/30/08: Memphis Takes 3rd Place at NashBash 2008!

03/28/08: South All-Star Player Selections

01/24/08: Spring Practices Have Begun!

01/07/08: We Want Your Junk!

12/01/07: MWR at the St. Jude's Marathon

11/29/07: Results of the 2007 Annual General Meeting

11/17/07: MWR takes 1st Place at the Hattiesburg Invitational Tournament

10/06/07 - 10/07/07: USA Rugby South Division II Championships

06/15/07: Four Memphians chosen for National Rugby Competition in Blaine, MN