Rugby looks to continue success on and off the field

The St. John’s rugby team has been around for 56 years, but they have never been as popular as they are today.

Founded in 1967, the team had humble beginnings but now boasts almost 50 members and an unmatched brotherhood. There is something special about Johnnie rugby. The team atmosphere is like family, fueled by the connections among the players but also among the alumni that preceded them.

“We have a really great group of guys who are committed to creating a winning team culture based on brotherhood and respect,” fifth-year co-captain Chris Berry said.

A huge marker of Johnnie rugby culture is the selflessness seen on and off the field.

“On the field, we play as a team. There are never any egos clashing. It’s the same off the field…everyone on the team does their part in making sure no man is feeling alone,” President Jamie Ozuna said.

Senior Joey O’Brien emphasized that the thing that makes the group stronger is the culture.

“All the boys have worked hard to foster an environment that is supportive in every area of life, whether its athletics, academics, personal life or mental health,” O’Brien said.

In addition to the current group member culture, SJU rugby has notable alumni engagement.

“[SJU rugby] has a rich history and a great alumni-student connection,” Berry mentioned. “They consistently support us and are our biggest fans.”

Every year, the men’s rugby team hosts an alumni game, where past members are invited to compete against current members. Last spring, there were over 250 people present at the game.

“When our players run out onto the pitch, they know that they have generations of Johnnie rugby players supporting them,” Berry said.

Both new and old members join together for a shared love of the sport, and the alumni connection provides unique opportunities and lasting connections. SJU rugby has a welcoming atmosphere and is open to beginners. Veteran players are eager to teach the game and have an unmatched enthusiasm.

“I joined the rugby team because I was looking for something to get involved in…I saw two rugby guys practicing in the dome and took it upon myself to follow through getting involved,” Ozuna said.

Rugby is a club sport on campus, meaning any Johnnie is welcome to sign up and try the sport.

“Our goal is to expose as many people to rugby as possible,” Berry said.

He wants to share the experience and is excited to teach the game to any Johnnies willing to learn.

O’Brien has credited the team’s growth over the last few years to the diversity on the team and the off-field commitments that members have. The team has players from many groups on campus, like the SJU Senate, Johnnie Development Institute, the Multicultural Center and other Johnnie athletic teams.

“[Different members] of the team are spreading their own positive experiences with the rest of the team and increasing the buzz around our sport,” O’Brien said.

Ozuna agreed that the team’s diversity has been a huge growth factor, and the representation is welcoming. It is hard to mention the SJU rugby team without giving due credit to their coach, Tammy Cowan. Cowan is currently the only woman coach for any SJU athletic team.

“There are not many women who coach male rugby teams, so it adds more uniqueness to our team,” Ozuna said.

Ozuna emphasized that Cowan always wants them to succeed and holds the team to even higher standards than they hold themselves. Cowan has led the team to several national championships, and under her guidance, the team has had appearances in the Final Four twice in the last few years, with a third-place finish in 2019 and a fourth-place finish in 2021.

Coming off their recruitment effort at the Involvement Fair last Thursday, the Johnnies competed in an All-Minnesota Rugby tournament this past Saturday. They will continue their season throughout the fall, with their next upcoming game at home on Saturday, Sept. 17, where they will take on the Johnnies’ long-time rival, St. Thomas. As SJU rugby looks to the future, they hope to keep recruiting young men who are interested in the sport and the family and brotherhood that comes with it.

“I hope to share the amazing experience of playing rugby with as many Johnnies as possible. We are always looking for new players and are excited to teach,” Berry said.