St. Paddys Rugby Tournament – March 16, 2013

Hey guys,

We are only months away from the 6th annual ST. Pats Rugby Tournament in Topeka KS! March 16th 2013, mens $200, female teams $150 (early registration check must be sent prior to March 1st.  ) ad $50 if your register after March1st.

More info below, tentatively schedule now by simply replying with an email! Official team sign up sheets will be sent out to teams showing interest. Please feel free to send me any questions you have! We had an amazing time last year with over 20 male and female teams showing up. Great food, good drinks, and hella great rugby!

Hope to see everyone one at the tournament. At such a cheap price this preseason tournament is a must for every caliber of teams!

Matt Crawford
President
Topeka RFC
http://www.topekarugby.com/
785.231.4896
matto4896@yahoo.com

Tournament/Times
As for the schedule of events… We will try and kick things off a little early at 9:00. (Men’s Ref/Captain Meeting at 8:30) All games following the opener will be 40 minutes matches. (Two 20 minute halves, 3 minute half-time, 2 minute team interchange. This must be adhered to at all times or the team forcing any tardiness will be penalized 1 try every 2 minutes late) The Men’s championship game is scheduled for around 2:30pm. This year we will be at Felker Park again and should have 2 men’s pitches running at all times. The Women’s games should kick off at 10AM, being played on a single separate pitch as well. We will be playing a single elimination style tournament with tournament play begining after pool chanpions are decided (a total of 2 pool games per team depending on number of female teams). This will determine a pool winner and allow for 4 top pool winners to play in the finals. A chance for the teams that fail in their respective pools may have the option of a final. A  conciliation game (3rd match) after the tournament if another team is willing to play them.

We plan to have a total of 12-16 men’s teams coming with each game taking no longer than 45 minutes ~ making this about an 6-8 hour day. This means we would be able to hit the bar around 4-6 pm (perhaps earlier). (Notice the importance of a strict time schedule, and penalty that is given if violated) The park does have plenty of space to sit and set up a team camp, not to mention plenty of bleacher space for fans. It would be wise to bring your own chairs and pop-up tents just to be prepared for the weather. (In Kansas it could ran, snow, or be 90 degree’s out and sunny, we get it all!) Parking will be available just North of the pitch. The restroom/facilities housed on the softball side of the complex will not be available as they are still winterized. A gas station is just up the street approximately ¼ of a mile away. The trophies will be given out shortly after the championship games.

Hotels
We are working with a Hotel and have got groups rates at the HYATT in Topeka. They are offering a rate at $79. This is one of the best hotels in Topeka and located right off the highway/biggest shopping strips. Topeka is quite small so getting around only takes 5-10 minutes max. When calling in to make reservations request the “Topeka Rugby” rate (only $79).

Hyatt Place Topeka is conveniently located off the Wanamaker Road Exit & I-70, close to the movie theaters & two restaurants; just north of all the entertainment on Wanamaker Rd.  Our regular corporate rate is $129 and we are listed as the #1 hotel in Trip Advisor.

Hyatt Place Topeka
6021 Southwest 6th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66615(785) 273-0066

Refs
Ref’s will be provided by the HOARFU.

Sales
Heartland Rugby Supply a local Rugby Equipment vendor will be out on hand all day Saturday Be sure and contact Tim http://heartlandrugby.com/default.aspx if you have any rugby special order items. St. Patty’s Rugby Tournament T-shirts will be available at an extremely low cost. (Buy one early before they sell out! Limited quantity ordered, we sell out every year) Topeka will also have a concession stand with sports beverages, bottled water, soda, and other snacks. (Of course team water is allowed, and no we are not charging an arm and a leg for concessions) As this is such a long tournament a lunch meal deal will also be available. We will have Smoked Pull Pork sandwiches, BBQ baked beans, potato salad, chips, and a choice of soda/water all for only $5!

Topeka RFC also receives support from a local liquor store which is just up the street from the pitch! Grace’s Liquor Store (2617 SW 21st St ~ Topeka, KS 66604~ (785)-234-2417) will give 10% off any liquor and wine purchase if you mention you’re with a rugby club. Please if you visit them on Saturday tell them thanks, for supporting local Rugby!! The pitch is on city owned property (meaning alcohol is prohibited), and in a large park so alcoholic beverages will not be sold by Topeka RFC. If one brought their own adult beverage and had it in non-revealing containers it would be on them. I would not drink open containers visible to others… everyone catch what I am saying? Just please find a trash can for all trash.

Party
Teams wanting to go hang out after the tournament with underage Ruggers are more then welcome to travel to Specks Bar and Grill. They are TOPEKA RFC’s home bar and use to rugby insanity. They allow all age groups entrance into the building (must be 21 and over to drink). I am sure that, with this many teams, we will have plenty of Zulu’s and rookies for other shenanigans. Speck’s is no stranger to Warrior Run’s, Boat Races, and Alouettes. Specks will have corn beef and cabbage for a low price (traditional Irish meal) and great drink specials.

However, for those really looking to party (or those who want more after Specks) the Official Tournament after Party TBD.

Once again guys we have put a lot of effort into making this a tournament for the players, and not to charge teams an arm and a leg. Our honest hopes, for this tournament is to have a hell of a time and to grow the St. Patty’s Rugby tournament into a bigger and bigger event each year. We started this tournament with 3 teams, 8 teams the past 3 years, and now we are up to 20. Please, Please, Please, contact me if you have any questions, doubts or concerns. Please, whatever it maybe… even to cancel or whatever, better to call me ahead so I can configure a contingency. I will not be mad just need to know.

Below are the links for the St. Paddy’s Tournament.
www.topekarugby.com

Directions:
Felker Park 2540 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2540+SW+Gage+Blvd,+Topeka,+KS+66611&iwloc=A&hl=en

Topeka RFC home Bar, Specks 2105 Southwest Mission Avenue
http://www.specksbarandgrill.com/

Hyatt Place, 6021 Southwest 6th Avenue
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2540+SW+Gage+Blvd,+Topeka,+KS+66611&iwloc=A&hl=en

Grace Liquor Store, 2617 Southwest 21st Street, Topeka, KS (785) 234-2417 ()‎
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2540+SW+Gage+Blvd,+Topeka,+KS+66611&iwloc=A&hl=en

Via’s Pizzeria (Topeka #1 pizza place supporter of Topeka Rugby) 738 Southwest Gage Boulevard, (785) 215-8421
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2540+SW+Gage+Blvd,+Topeka,+KS+66611&iwloc=A&hl=en.

Heartland Rugby Supply
http://heartlandrugby.com//default.aspx