Rugby, like many other sports, is thought by many to be the province of the male gender. For every hot basketball player, there's a netballer who's an ace; for every celebrated baseball hero, there's a rounders expert with fire in her eye. But when it comes to rugby, the wild child of soccer and father (or, dare we say, "mother"?) of "American football" - women give as good as they get. Rugby is long considered to have been the happy accident of a soccer player who became frustrated with trying to kick the ball, leading to his carrying it forward instead. William Webb Ellis gets the credit for creating a new twist on an old game at a private school soccer game in 1823.
     
     Rugby was even played, after a fashion, by Rutgers and Princeton fraternity members in 1869 - and is known as the very first game of "American football", strongly based upon the original game of rugby. More rules and structure entered the mix, including the gridiron, downs, and separate rules. Bringing rugby all the way across the pond was Yale football coach Walter Camp. American football is referred to as "gridiron" in England. Rugby is considered a rough sport, with tackles and the requisite bruises to follow. However, "ruggers", as diehard players are affectionately known, consider it a sport of gentlemen. And, just like with American football, there exists a tag version of the game.
     
     Women have been involved with the sport in growing numbers, braving the road in pursuit of worthy opponents and greater skills. As an assist, the online magazine Women's Rugby International (WRI) was born. The web site offers advice on training gear, technique, and team-building. It is a subscription-only service, at a cost of £ 6 for 12 annual issues. Paypal is used to process payments. Not sure what you're in for? Check out the preview page! For more information, write to the Webmaster