Sports & Activities
Manly Men: SF's Fog Rugby Team
Photo Credit: Sean Gustilo
Here in the U.S., many Americans consider football to be the manliest of manly sports. But that's because they don't know rugby, the full-contact sport that is played without those wimpy helmets and pads. Concussions, broken bones, torn ligament—if you're not ready to rumble, consider another sport.
Rugby has become increasingly popular in the U.S. in recent years, and gay athletes in particular have embraced it, with gay teams springing up in many major urban areas.
One such team is the Fog, San Francisco's predominantly gay rugby team. RealJock.com sat down with Drew Guenzer, member of the Fog, to talk more about rugby the sport, getting involved, experiencing homophobia while playing straight teams ("If you call me 'faggot' I'll knock you down even harder"), and memories of fallen 9/11 hero Mark Bingham.
What is the history of the Fog?
The Fog was started in 2000, when a group of gay athletes came together and decided they would really like to find a space where they could be gay and athletes at the same time—and really integrate those two parts of their personalities. Right now we have about 120 members.
But why rugby?
Well, we knew how to play rugby. [Laughs] There's another reason and that is historically rugby is a very diverse sport—it's pretty open to everyone. Also, the fact is, ruby in the United States is kind of under the radar. We also had a larger mission, which was to develop a space where people who usually weren't involved in sports, for whatever reason, could feel safe and could feel welcome, to get involved with the team and find a place in athletics.
Rugby has become increasingly popular in the U.S. in recent years, and gay athletes in particular have embraced it, with gay teams springing up in many major urban areas.
One such team is the Fog, San Francisco's predominantly gay rugby team. RealJock.com sat down with Drew Guenzer, member of the Fog, to talk more about rugby the sport, getting involved, experiencing homophobia while playing straight teams ("If you call me 'faggot' I'll knock you down even harder"), and memories of fallen 9/11 hero Mark Bingham.
What is the history of the Fog?
The Fog was started in 2000, when a group of gay athletes came together and decided they would really like to find a space where they could be gay and athletes at the same time—and really integrate those two parts of their personalities. Right now we have about 120 members.
But why rugby?
Well, we knew how to play rugby. [Laughs] There's another reason and that is historically rugby is a very diverse sport—it's pretty open to everyone. Also, the fact is, ruby in the United States is kind of under the radar. We also had a larger mission, which was to develop a space where people who usually weren't involved in sports, for whatever reason, could feel safe and could feel welcome, to get involved with the team and find a place in athletics.
muscu1980 wrote:
It's great that in the US people are opening to this sport. I play varsity rugby in my country and it's great. Also, it must be relieving 4 most guys to be on a team where there's no prejudice. In my case, I am in the closet, but, it doesn't change the greatness and values that rugby grants you.
Nov 19 11:43 PM
cutebuddy wrote:
IT is possible then pls i want to see more pics of that types
Nov 16 5:33 AM
phillyscooter wrote:
www.igrab.net
The article would have been well served to point out the web address for the International Gay Rugby Association & Board, to connect men to their local rugby club. Cheers!
Nov 16 2:54 AM
markymarcnz wrote:
hey dudes!
welcum to the awesum world of all blacks (abs) - boks - wallabies - roosters - lions - pumas - males - leaks - thistles - wow u name it they are all here!
ruggers is a gr8 game - it challenges - encourages and most of all its inclusive. reading your words here is inspiring and congratulations for focussing on a sport which btw has its world cup in france next november 2007! also did you know that aside from the olympics and world soccer competitions - The Rugby World Cup is the 3rd biggest spectator sport in the world! bring it on!!! hope like heck 2 catch sum of u guyz at nex yrs world cup in france and heres a challenge: The New Zealand All Blacks plan to bring the cup home after twenty years and we host the world cup in 2011!!
thx again guys! gr8 reading!!
Marcus
Nov 16 12:27 AM
rugbydrew wrote:
Roll Fog Roll! I am Drew, the guy interviewed in the above article, feel free to contact me with any questions about rugby or the Fog.
New players of all experience levels are always welcome - come out and play!
Nov 15 8:58 PM
rugbypunk22 wrote:
yeah that is freaking awsome i my self am part of a gay rugby team from nashville, tn called the grizzles.. And i love the sport and a great way to stay in shape.. Plus it more than just a team we have all becom brothers and will go the long way when we hade a game and there is nothing great..So the to the Fog in SF i raise a glass and say keep rucking.. Roland...
Nov 10 12:21 AM