Rugby, a game of physicality, shows how one sport can gain recognition, garnering interest and support at K-State and throughout the country.

For people who might not be familiar with rugby, Kenny Scott, senior in criminology and pre-law, said the sport has its moments.

"It's not as crazy as everybody thinks it is," Scott said. "It can be a fast and slow speed. If we play teams with bigger guys we will try to slow the game up to maintain ball possession."

The size of a rugby field is usually 60 meters wide and 100 meters long. It is bigger than a football field and about the same size as a soccer field.

The K-State/Ft. Riley team consists of 25 players, and they are currently trying to promote themselves to the campus and community.

Daniel Knapp, senior in mass communication, said recruiting is usually just by word of mouth and promotions like sidewalk chalk at the beginning of the season.

"We get people to come out here once, and they'll be here forever," Knapp said.

According to www.RugbyMag.com, K-State is currently ranked No. 11 in the nation in Division I Top 25. Bowling Green, of Ohio, is No. 1.

The fan base at K-State rugby games is not considered large, but Hodges said sometimes they have had between 400 and 500 people attend.

The physical beating in rugby is something participants have to face. Contact can sometimes lead to injuries that could end a player's season. Club president Tyler Hodges, senior in mechanical engineering, said he separated his shoulder in the game against Nebraska his sophomore year.

Knapp said players are usually sore all season. In rugby, there is little margin for error because the game is so physical and players don't wear pads. Accordingly, players try to focus on good technique to avoid injury as much as possible.

The K-State players not only have respect for themselves, but also their opponents. Knapp emphasized that the "respect" usually shows after the game rather than during it.

"There's some bad blood during the game between opponents," he said. "After the game we usually talk to the guy we had beef with on the field and there will be a laugh about it."

On Saturday, the team will play a scrimmage against former K-State rugby players. Scott said it is always fun to play in alumni games, and they also give the team a lot of support.

"It gives them an opportunity to see how the club has developed," Scott said. "It's also a good investment because they don't want to give money to a club that isn't doing anything. We have to show them what we are doing."

The team is always looking for new players of all skill levels and practices at Old Stadium. To join the team or for more information, visit the team's website at k-state.edu/kstaterugby.