Real Travel Company organized a trip for the University of Michigan Rugby team to Mexico. Forty-three student athletes spent a few days in Mexico City volunteering with Casa Alianza's Covenant House and Fundacion Renicimiento. The volunteer work went well with the youth organizations, although 45 guys showing up at once was a lot. Often it may have seemed that we were a bit overwhelming and awkward, but the smiles on the faces of those kids will not soon be forgotten. Also, the work the guys did to help clean up the basis of operations of Fundacion Renacimiento may have seemed challenging and thankless, but it was a great step forward for them to attract more youth to their haven of assistance and aid.
Unfortunately, the state of rugby in Mexico is a very weak one. Although things seemed in order for us to play matches against a national side and some club teams, once the college team arrived the plans began to fall apart. First an attempt to change field times, then an outright cancellation of the national side, and then poor scheduling and a poor showing by the clubs who at least honored us with some rugby action. The UM killer B's got their slight taste of rugby beyond borders by playing in a mini sevens tournament. It was a good time, although 15s were what we were after, and many guys young and old got to strut their stuff. Unfortunately a bit of strutting was also done by the Mexican marketing head of Cartier, who we would also face in the A side 15s match. Overall it was a good run around for those that took part, while the guys resting up for the A game itched with the hunger to get onto the pitch.
The A side finally had their chance, and took it well, against the Fox rugby club. In a one sided rout, the Michigan side held the other team to no scores, although they faced a few serious threats from some gritty and experienced play. The good guys were able to put up 5 tries in the shortened match, making it a decisive victory for the blue and gold.
A sincere thank you to everyone who took part in this trip, whether you bought a jersey, came to a fundraiser, went on the trip, or just sent your well-wishes to us. It was a great 10 days, and can remind us all how proud we can be of being U of M ruggers.