Super League!

Obviously, the sport of rugby isn't as big in the U.S. as it is in other countries around the world. But it is bigger than you may realize. After meeting Shawn, I decided a few years ago that rugby is like its own secret society. It exists pretty much under the radar, but once you know it's there, it seems to be everywhere. And once you're "in" the society, you also realize that rugby has its own sayings, traditions, jokes, and even songs. But those are for a different post. :)

In the U.S., men's rugby is divided into various divisions, and those divisions are more or less based on level of ability. It's kind of like Varsity and JV divisions in high school sports. The "lowest" level in the U.S. is Division III. Then there's Division II, which is what Shawn's team in Denver plays in. Then there's Division I, which is what Shawn has been playing most of this season here in Seattle. Above that is the Super League. The only rugby above the level of Super League in the U.S. is the national team, the USA Eagles, so Super League rugby is pretty much the closest you can get to playing professional rugby in the United States. There are currently 18 Super League teams scattered around the U.S., and they travel each week to play each other.

So why am I explaining all this? Because for the last two weeks of the season, Shawn got to play with the Super League team! He actually started each of the last two games and played all 80 minutes. The Seattle Rugby Club (Div I and II) and the Old Puget Sound Beach Rugby Club (Super League) recently decided to partner, which basically means that they train together and the guys have a better chance of moving up to a higher level when they make personal improvements. Over the last year and a half, Shawn has worked really hard to get into better shape and to improve as a player. I'm very proud of him for working so hard and getting to play with the Super League team! He's already looking forward to and getting ready for next season. :)

Here are some pics from Saturday's game. Shawn was wearing #2...see if you can find him in each picture!