Rugby is one of the most popular intramural sports in America and can be found on college quads all across the land. Unfortunately, the celebrated sport has eluded the University of Massachusetts Boston campus for years. Luckily, sophomore Cameron Whale has been hard at work since the semester began in his quest to bring rugby to campus.
Whale is attempting to start a student club and the purpose of said club is to expose the student body to the sport and teach its fundamentals to anyone who’s interested. Whale’s long term goal is to eventually try to organize games between the club and other rugby clubs in and around Boston.
The Mass Media recently spoke to Whale about his plans.
What is the objective of starting a rugby team here at UMass Boston? Will this be an intercollegiate team or just a club?
My main goal is to have a team, and that we can play other teams. I really want to have a team put together so that we can play other schools in the spring. 
Where did this idea come from?
I’ve played rugby since my sophomore year of high school and that’s when I first fell in love with it, and being a freshman here at UMass Boston, that was one of my first questions. When I found out we didn’t have a team, I decided to try and create one.
What high school did you play for? Were you guys competitive?
I played for Marshfield High School. We had one of the larger programs in the South Shore — and in Massachusetts — with around 85 kids. We were fairly competitive.
Where you taken aback at all when you found out that we didn’t have rugby here at UMass Boston?
I was a bit surprised, but again I thought that there were so many clubs in and around the city that you could play for. I would prefer to have one here because it’s a way for [students to connect and socialize.]
Could you explain what rugby is for us beginners, and how it’s different from football and soccer?
I hate to say it this way, but it’s a combination between soccer and football. It’s two teams of 15, and you can only pass the ball backwards. It’s a very intense sport. What’s surprising is that we don’t wear a lot of pads, but you don’t get that injured. Injuries do happen — it is a full-contact sport – but they’re not as severe in nature as those in football.
Is this club open to any and all students?
Yes, of course. It’s open to [everyone.] 
Do you know when you will be meeting?
I’m trying to organize a few positions to people, such as secretary and coordinator. As soon as that is finished I’m going to be hanging up a few more fliers to arrange a meeting. I have a Facebook page that is up right now: www.facebook.com/groups/umassbosrugby/.
I understand that you need 15 signatures for the club to earn funding.
That is correct. I currently have about 13 people interested.
What season do you play rugby in? Is it a fall/spring/summer sport?
It’s more of a fall and spring sport.
What values can someone earn from playing rugby?
What singles out rugby is the mindset of the player. They are always courteous, honorable, respectful, and [natural leaders.] Rugby players always carry these characteristics with them even off the field. I would love for people to come out and try it — it’s really a fun game. It doesn’t matter what skill level you are. We will teach and train everyone to know the game.