"It helps to keep things in perspective," said junior Erica Brooks. "You play because you like it and because it's fun, not for the recognition you get, because you aren't going to get any."

Indeed, Radcliffe Rugby has a unique effect on it's team members. With very few exceptions, none of the players have any rugby experience, and step onto the field for the first time with absolutely no idea of how to play the game. But after only a few weeks on the team, it becomes almost impossible for them to envision a college experience devoid of the sport.

"I have possibly decided that rugby is the best thing on earth," Wallison said. "It's a great sport and the people on the team are fantastic."

"It surprised me how close the team was," McGuire said. "I used to row, and with rowing it was this crazy, cutthroat competition. Here, we have healthy internal competition, but everyone is so caring and close to each other. It's the most positive social part of my life."

A distinctive feature of Radcliffe Rugby is that, unlike certain skill-specific sports such as basketball or tennis, it attracts all different kinds of people. Athletes ranging from 4'9" to 6'1" are intrigued by the sport, the result of which is a wonderfully diverse group of extremely talented women.

"I played sports in high school and really missed the experience of being on a team," Dwyer said. "I wanted to try something new, something where you could really move up in the ranks and compete at a high level."

Other team members arrive at Radcliffe with no intention of participating in athletics, only to find themselves rugby enthusiasts after only a few weeks.

"Rugby was not something I had ever thought about doing," said freshman Bernadine Han. "But at registration, all these girls were standing up and screaming about rugby. They were so incredibly enthusiastic that I thought maybe I should try it. And now, I totally love it."

Radcliffe Rugby appears to be the little known jewel of collegiate athletics. The teammates are victorious on the field and members of a tightly knit circle of friends. Possessing both a competitive spirit and the warmth of a family, the team is destined to continue its success.