New Orleans Adds its First Public School Rugby Team

Lake Area New Tech Early College High School.   It's quite a mouthful, but the boys at this school are much more than talk.  With support from his friends, Anthony Bertrand, has rallied school officials creating the first rugby team at a public school in New Orleans.

The Lake Area New Tech Early College High School team, pictured in white
Photo Credit: Karey Maloney

"We couldn't have a football team because we were a first year high school," said Bertrand, "and I just decided that we should play something that's inexpensive, fun, and something new and different."

Lake Area New Tech lost its first scrimmage, but this didn't shake them.  In fact, six new players asked if they could join the team after seeing the sport in action.  The Leopards are now practicing twice as much as the other teams in their conference in order to help assure them a place in the state playoffs.

This group of high schoolers is showing the country that all it takes is a few strong willed kids to inspire America to fall in love with rugby.

For help getting a club or high school program started contact USA Rugby!