The Memphis Rugby team has considered overturning their original decision to not compete in their fall season.
The decision is not final and has not been confirmed. However, the thoughts of doing so have circulated throughout the program. Team Captain Ethan Scott said the team has a lot to do and consider with the decision.
"Obviously, I am thrilled at the opportunity to play," Scott said. "But we're still trying to play it safe and comply with the health guidelines of the county and the school."
The team has not announced a decision on their behalf. The team is currently considering the possibilities of returning. However, the program has planned to begin registering athletes per Scott.
"As of right now, we plan to get registered in anticipation of playing some scrimmages this fall," Scott said.
The Memphis Rugby Club would work out a decision with the University of Memphis if they decided as a team they wanted to compete. Any decision made would comply with any and all guidelines the school has introduced. The team would likely have to alter their functions as a program if they are approved.
The Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference does not require that any team not compete. The SCRC will not sponsor, host or acknowledge any matches played between any teams until Spring. Scott said the team could begin playing within a month but nothing has been scheduled or confirmed.
"We're waiting on clearance from administration," Scott said. "We don't have an exact timeline, but we expect to know sometime around the middle of October."
Scott also added that regardless of the team's decision, conference play is still scheduled for Spring. The SCRC would then host and acknowledge their schedule. Senior Derek Colston said he was excited for about a chance to compete earlier than expected.
"It will be a blessing to get some these young guys some college game experience," Colston said. "Plus the more games we play the more chemistry we develop between each other. I do think the whole team will be able to show up strong with the training we’ve been doing."
The original decision to move all conference matches to Spring was made conjointly by the SCRC, the University of Memphis and the Memphis Tigers Rugby Club back in August. The UofM and the Memphis Rugby Club then postponed all other rugby activities.
The Memphis Rugby Club could only participate in unofficial practices and could not use university property. Team workouts and conditioning were restricted if they took place on campus or in campus facilities.
Scott said in a previous interview that he is not going to force anyone to work or train, but he is encouraging players to do at home workouts.
The University of Memphis could schedule games if they find participating competitors. The can compete against SCRC opponents, but it will not be recognized as a conference game.
Scott said if the team would compete, it would be against willing, nearby teams. He gave examples including Middle Tennessee State University, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and North Alabama.
No official statements have been released from any of the nearby universities in the mid-South or in the state of Tennessee.
