The Yale University Rugby Football Club

Three Yale Ruggers Participate in 2008 NERFU All Stars Selection Camp; Three Selected to NERFU South Squad

On November 15th, 2008, center Patrick Madden '10, lock Andrew Moir '10, and flanker/lock Tim Shriver '11 traveled down to Boston to participate in the 2008 NERFU All Stars Selection Camp. Although 7 Yale players were invited to the camp (also invited were flanker Andy Beck '09, flyhalf Evan Edwards '09, prop Mike Horrell '10, and wing Ryan Salinas '09), only these three were available to attend due to scheduling conflicts or injuries. The day started early, with the men of Yale departing at 5:45 AM to make the camp's 8 AM start time.

The morning began with check-in and fitness metrics. The fitness testing consisted of three components - an electronically-timed 40 meter dash (to measure speed and acceleration), broad jump (to measure leg power and explosiveness), and the dreaded beep test (to measure endurance). The Elis more than held their own in the metrics testing, with Madden posting the fastest 40 meter time of anyone at the camp, running the distance in a blazing 5.08 seconds (translating to a 4.6 40 yard dash - a time more typical of an NFL running back than a rugby center). The Yale players were also well above average in the broad jump and beep test, with Andrew Moir posting a 12.7 in the beep test, one of the best times by a second rower, and Madden posting a 13.8, near the tops among centers.

The afternoon saw the 90 players present at the camp split into 4 squads for scrimmaging. The Yale players were placed on the Blue team, along with players from Boston University, Brown University, Bentley College, and a few other squads from the area. After some practicing and team organization, the Blue team took the field.

The Blue team's first 40 was sloppy, with torrential rain preventing much backline play. The ball stayed mostly in the forwards, allowing Tim Shriver, playing lock for the Blue team, to shine. Shriver was outstanding in the lineouts and in the loose, scoring a try after eluding his defenders from about 15 meters out.

After the first 40, the Blue team had a 40 minute break for more practice. After some regrouping, the Blue team took the pitch again. By this point, the conditions had improved somewhat, which along with improved team continuity allowed for more backline play. A new, somewhat authoritarian referee prevented the Blue team from being too aggressive in the loose, although Shriver was still effective in the lineouts and on defense. However, out of the Yale men, Pat Madden really stole the show, breaking several long runs and putting away a Blue team winger for a try.

The selection camp was a success for Yale Rugby. Based on their stellar play on the weekend, all three players were selected to the NERFU South All Star Squad. This puts them on track to potentially qualify for the Northeast All Star Squad, which competes at the National All Star Championships in the spring, and on to the National Collegiate All-American squad, which tours internationally during the summer. Best of luck to these Yale ruggers as they continue to receive well-deserved accolades.