Record Turnout for Atlanta Harlequins “Rugby 101” Camp

On January 14^th, female ruggers from all over the South turned up in droves to the sunny fields at Coan Middle School in Atlanta, GA. They came from as far as Knoxville and New Orleans, all with the same purpose: to learn more about rugby from some of the best in the South.

Atlanta Harlequins head coach Jason Payne and guest coach USA Eagle Paul Emerick led the camp, focusing on foundational skill development. A morning skills session included instruction and hands-on demonstration of tackling, ball handling, and passing, with Harlequins players on hand to provide individual feedback during drills. In the afternoon, camp participants got a chance to apply what they’d learned in a series of light scrimmages.

Though the event was advertised as a “Rugby 101” clinic, some attendees already had up to seven years of rugby experience. Quin Kari Morrison remarks that “it was great to see so many women out there learning rugby and having fun, whether they’d been playing for weeks or years.” Despite the range of experience levels, all players were engaged in the skill work and gave enthusiastic reviews in anonymous follow up surveys, which Morrison attributes to the high level of coaching. Stephanie Iacobucci, principal organizer for the camp, echoes the sentiment, saying the Quins “have been extremely fortunate to have a coach [Payne] who not only has high level rugby skills, but is also able to bring in Eagle players, like Paul Emerick, to assist in player development.” Payne has coached USA programs at the international level and Emerick has represented the Eagles regularly since his 2003 debut, earning 47 caps*.

In total, 78 players attended from 15 different clubs, more than doubling last year’s attendance. The Harlequins are thrilled with the results and look forward to getting even more involved with South rugby development. Candace Hall, the Quins’ treasurer, explains: “Rugby 101s and technical skills camps are great for building women’s rugby in general – especially in the South. Since there are fewer women’s clubs under the South umbrella, the fundamentals are essential for a good rugby foundation. It is also part of the essence of the Atlanta Harlequins to foster, support, and build up women’s rugby in the South from all angles, from beginners to veterans.”

In addition to an expanded Rugby 101 camp next year, the team plans to host a sevens camp this summer and assist with the South Collegiate All-Star team, which will be competing in Tier 1 for the first time after a title finish at the 2011 NASCs**.

Photo credit: Anthony Alston

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**http://rugbymag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1209%3Afirst-south-title-at-collegiate-nascs&catid=50%3Aall-stars&Itemid=212