Royal Air Force Molesworth Maulers Play First Match of the Season

  • Published
  • By Melony C. Angelilli, Commanders Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
Royal Air Force Molesworth England --  While the precise history of rugby is unknown many believe that William Webb Ellis "who with a fine disregard for the rules of football, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it" in 1823 which started the game of Rugby football that we know today.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3, Anthony Triola, who has played the game for 20 years, decided to share his passion for it with other men and women at RAF Molesworth.

Practice began in August and the club now has more than 24 players on its roster and has been accepted into the East Midlands Rugby Union (EMRU).

Their first match took place this past weekend against a seasoned Peterborough team, and provided the Maulers with much needed practice for the upcoming EMRU season.

"Our players, most of whom have never played rugby before, gave everything they had during this match" said Triola. "Our opponents may have held us from the end zone, but the experience that our players received during a full 80 minutes of play was invaluable. With the weapons we have, we're going to be a very dangerous team".

The team practices three times a week, training on the field and in the gym to stay fit. The intense training ensures that the players avoid injuries in this full contact game.

"What our players need to realize is that the game of rugby, though similar to American football, is very different" Triola said. "You cannot block downfield--known as "obstruction" in rugby--and you cannot tackle the same way as NFL players do."

The team conducts team-building exercises to included trips to pro games. They have adopted the British Heart Foundation as their team charity, and are making a name in the local area.

"Our team represents more than just RAF Molesworth," Triola stated. "We represent the US military community here in England and need to conduct ourselves in an honorable and respectable manner."

If you are interested in joining the team or would like more information contact Triola at 268-2196, or email anthony.triola@jac.eucom.mil.