Los Buenmozos de Boulogne

The chants started as soon as I exited the San Isidro train station. In Buenos Aires, the rugby derby doesn't come any bigger than the rivalry between San Isidro Club (SIC) and Club Atlético San Isidro (CASI). I found the CASI stadium by simply following the boys of Los Buenmozos de Boulogne (the "Good-looking ones from Boulogne"), SIC's supporter club.

Rather unlike the United States, where ruggers play on muddy municipally owned fields, the grounds at CASI was immaculate and the atmosphere electric. But since a friend was a former SIC player, I had my bias for the night and happily cheered for the winning side.

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Las canciónes comenzaron inmediatamente después de salir de Estación San Isidro. En Buenos Aires, no hay rivalidad de rugby más importante que el clásico entre San Isidro Club (SIC) y Club Atlético San Isidro (CASI). Hallé estadio de CASI con Los Buenmozos de Boulogne, los hinchas de SIC.

Más que las canchas de rugby en EE.UU, donde los jugadores competen en el barro frecuentemente, las instalaciones deportivas de CASI era impecable y el ambiente eletrizante. Pero ya que tengo un amigo que jugaba para SIC, tenía mi prejuicio y alegremente vitoreaba para el equipo que ganó.

The uni boys won!

My boys won the Potomac Rugby Union Div. III championship match yesterday!

Down 15 - 5 with 20 minutes left, American University ran in two tries and a conversion to finish the match 17 - 15 winners.


Tomo, our fullback and Japanese import, was the man of the match.

The simple pleasures!

Despite my massive hangover this morning, I joined the American University boys for their rugby match. It was driving down rain, the wind was blowing hard, and I was soaked to the bone. But how satisfying it was to watch the boys play creatively and win 53 - 0 under the worst condition.

While far from perfect (they could be more patient and better organized), they played as we coached them - they thought for themselves on the pitch instead of playing like pre-programmed gridiron footballers; and they played for their mates rather than as fifteen individuals. It was basic rugby and the boys did most things right. They took care of the fundamentals - the scrummaging, tackling, rucking, mauling, and passing - and the score spoke for their efforts. The joy of seeing good footy unfold in front of one's eyes ....

Rugby has always been a steadying influence on my life. Although because of it I might have hit the sauce a little too hard or strayed from my studies during my university days, the sport also gives me great pleasure and saw me through both good and bad times. For that reason I go out to support the AU boys.