Yearbook staff
Rugby Team Photo Varsity Boys
Are you ready to take on a new challenge? Join Taft Rugby and be part of an exciting team! Rugby season kicked off on April 14, and Taft is looking for passionate players to join. Whether you’re new to the sport or have some experience, Taft High School’s Rugby team welcomes all skill levels. Don’t miss out on the action, come be part of the team!
Over the past three months, the team has been hard at work during preseason, training and competing in several matches, winning the majority of them. They’ve faced tough opponents, including Brother Rice, renowned for their rugby skills, with a total score of 34 to 14. Along with Fenwick, Payton and Lane.
To support their performance on the field, the team follows a rigorous weekly training schedule designed to build both physical and mental endurance. Rugby meetings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for weightlifting sessions at the Varsity Campus. This falls into the category of conditioning, speed and strength training. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, players hit the Varsity football field for practice, where they sharpen their skills and strategies.
To better understand the game, it helps to break down the player roles. While there are 15 positions on the field, the two main roles are forwards and backs. Forwards are the powerhouse of the team, responsible for the physical aspects of the game. They play a crucial role in scrums, line-outs and rucks using their strength to dominate the game.
According to Sporting News, a scrum is a structured and physical contest between the forwards of two teams to win possession of the ball. Line-outs are a method used to restart the play after the ball has gone out of bounds. This involves the players to line up in parallel lines. Rucks occur when the ball is on the ground and players from both teams compete to gain possession.
In contrast to forwards, rugby backs focus on speed, agility and strategic movement. Positioned behind the forwards, backs are responsible for running plays, passing and scoring. Their coordination and quick thinking are essential for creating scoring opportunities and breaking through the opposition’s defense.
Among the dedicated players is Taft junior Jad Rashed, now in his second year of rugby. He plays as a back, thanks to his speed and agility on the field. During one of this year’s preseason games, he suffered a fractured nose due to a tackle, which took a month to heal. The injury initially shook Rashed’s confidence, causing him to overthink.
Despite this occurrence he pushed through by shifting his mindset away from worsening his condition. “Why would I stress about something that hasn’t happened?” responded Rashed. He continued to play, showing his love for the sport.
Although rugby is a demanding sport that involves dedication and some risk, that shouldn’t discourage you from joining. “You have to step onto the field with confidence. Playing with fear means you’re bound to get injured. It’s important to communicate with members of your team, and play as a leader when necessary,” said Rashed.
Another key player is Fadi Louisi, a junior at Taft, who has been playing rugby for nearly two years. His role as a forward requires him to use his strength and commitment to help the team perform at their best. According to RugbyDome, the second row forwards (also known as locks) target players in the lineout, meaning they are powerful players with excellent scrummaging technique and pinpoint timing.
Louisi said, “Rugby is a tough sport, but I enjoy it because it’s a challenge for my teammates and I. We have to work together to get the best results. It’s a team player game, not an individual one.”
He also enjoys the adrenaline he gets during each game. When he gets into the heat of a moment, his skills drastically improve.
That same team-first mentality is something Coach Brian Hayes strongly encourages. Hayes has been leading the program for 11 years. One of the key ways he prepares his players before each game is by emphasizing the importance of emotional control. Rugby is a sport rooted in fairness, competition and fun, keeping composure on the field is essential. Players who lose control, may face consequences, including suspensions of up to three games.
“Players should always enjoy the game. There’s no reason for things to escalate,” said Hayes. “Realize in the end, we’re all here to do our best.” He also reassures new players that everyone will get playing time, regardless of their experience or skill level.
Over the years, Hayes has built more than just a competitive team, he’s helped shape lasting memories and opportunities. Some of Coach Hayes’ proudest moments include leading the team to playoffs in his very first year and watching his players shine during All-Star events. He’s also seen former athletes earn college scholarships and go on to compete at the next level. These milestones continue to fuel his passion for coaching.
The team also benefits from the support of volunteer coaches, many of whom are former Taft players giving back to the program. Coach Vidal Martinez is a recent addition to the staff, having just transferred in. On the girls’ side, Coach Jaime Stephen leads the female rugby team. According to Coach Hayes, the two often collaborate and support each other whenever needed.
Beyond the game itself, rugby also offers a strong sense of community. After each match, both teams come together for “socials,” a tradition where both sides hangout, share a meal, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s time to unwind, build friendships and connect off the field. These gatherings serve as the heart of team interaction outside of training and competition, making rugby not just a sport, but a close community.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself physically, grow as a team player, or simply be part of a supportive community, Taft Rugby has something to offer. With dedicated teammates, exciting competition and strong companionship, there’s no better time to get involved. So lace up your cleats, your rugby journey starts now.