Making Contact

Dartmouth women have played rugby since women came to Dartmouth. But it wasn't planned that way by College officials. After watching men's rugby, enterprising women formed a team of their own. During those early years, female ruggers emulated their male counterparts. Lewd songs, kegs of beer on the field, and infamous postgame parties were team trademarks. A shift in campus attitudes, official recognition by the College in 1984, and stricter drinking laws changed the club's activities off the field.

What hasn't changed is the competitive spirit. On the pitch, the rugby term for field, the women run, pass, and wrestle to maintain possession. And the club members still retain a fierce loyalty to their sport. When diplomas are handed out next June, expect to see women at the ceremony outfitted in rugby shirts.