THE RUGBY CONNECT ARTICLES
We interviewed some key connections that have been made over the years, and asked them about some meaningful connections they have made through rugby, how the sport has impacted them personally, and how it helped them develop as an athlete.
MALCOM FITZSIMMONS, AN OLD BOY ABROAD
Malcolm Fitzsimmons, one of the key coaches of the Montana State Men's Rugby Club:
"I first picked up a rugby ball when I was 11, (second from left front row). I realized immediately that if I wanted the ball, I could just go and get it, even when held by the opposition and I was hooked! I played through high school, went to Durham University, met with people from all over the world and then moved to Oxford, England and played every weekend in the season and often in a mid -week fixture with visiting teams from around the world.
The rigor that is rugby is a teacher. You are in a team, you play your part and you never give in. You respect the referee and your opposition and if you make an error, own it and support anyone else who is unfortunate enough to do the same.
The second photo is at a re-union in Oxford and I had not seen Lynn Evans, an Inspirational coach at every level, for 35 years. I am on the right of this photo and I hope it illustrates the camaraderie and depth of friendship that rugby engenders. Above all, I love the inclusivity and shared values of rugby and at the age of 70 I am still involved.
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In the spirit of our sport,
Malcolm Fitzsimmons"
MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY
Jack Paloucek, a co-founder and board member of The Rugby Connect, was the first professional rugby product to move on from Montana State Rugby Club.
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"Rugby changed my life, our core group of players in Montana ended up becoming my second family, especially while being so far away from my family in Chicago, it was an easy transition as we all needed to fill that space in each other's lives. We spent everyday together, lifting, studying, and nonstop road trips across the country really brought everyone closer together. Rugby has given me countless opportunities to explore something new in my life, whether that be a small new skill, or a life changing cultural experience overseas. Anywhere I have ever gone to pursue rugby has embraced me with open arms and accepted me as one of their own. Mystic River Rugby Club has made a huge impact on me as a player, giving me exposure to high level rugby and a high performance pathway. Rugby culture is one of the most inviting and attracting of all sports I have been involved in, with everyone supporting your personal goal while also being a key contributor to a team, you are fully immersed in the comradery. That comradery led me to an amazing opportunity to be a part of the MLR. Rugby was explained to me as a hooligans sport played by gentlemen. Not only has it changed me as a player, but it has changed me as a person as well, in the best way possible.
Best sport on Earth."
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HOWE FAMILY LEGACY
We interviewed Ludlow Howe, the father of co-founder Harrison Howe, who's whole family has been involved in Rugby. From brothers to uncles, the Howe family has played rugby at all levels all over the world.
"I've played at least one match every year in 43 years, and not as an old boy. I've figured I’ve played over 2000 matches maybe more including 7’s. The times I played in Bozeman were the best times of my life. The players, family’s and relationships are ill measurable. It's carried me through my life and my kids. It's taught me that no matter how I feel I need to push through. Good and bad times. The pain sometimes seemed unbearable, but you played through it. The friends made are still carried though today. I keep in touch with many and have forgotten many as well. Rugby has given me the opportunity to start and continue relationships my whole life personally and professionally. It's a fraternal organization that only the lucky are willing to join. Unlike other clubs, you must commit to a rigorous schedule. Be willing to give up everything. Get up the next day with injuries and pain then go back and do it all again. There isn’t a feeling in the world like the day after a match. It's the greatest feeling, that soreness, but the payback is tenfold. Discipline, comradery, focus, participation, teamwork, leadership, friendship, all for the game."
MONTANA TO BRISBANE
Ethan Levitch, another Co-Founder of The Rugby Connect has travelled throughout Queensland to study medicine and found one of the most prestigious clubs in Australia along the way.
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"My exposure to rugby began in college. Before I even learned the rules, I was drawn to the sport because of the friendly community it generated. At Montana State University, I developed into a key player as our team improved our national rank from top 50 to top 10, a ranking we maintained through my graduation in 2019. Our collective discipline and commitment to the sport turned us into four-time Rocky Mountain Conference Champions. In addition to camaraderie and success on the field, our team fostered a culture of volunteerism throughout the entirety of Bozeman, Montana.
After graduating, I began playing for Bozeman Cutthroats and eventually moved to Denver, Colorado where I competed with the Denver Water Dogs and Denver Barbarians. Eventually, I was accepted to medical school at the University of Queensland, where I currently study and play rugby with UQRFC in Brisbane, Australia. Traveling to play rugby has introduced me to some of the most inspiring individuals from all corners of the world. These remarkable people share a common passion for the sport, uniting us in a bond that transcends language and culture. The contagious excitement we share for rugby and the lifelong friendships we make will keep me involved in the sport for the rest of my life."
THE GENTS OF ASPEN
We interviewed Clifford Kindred, another co-founder of The Rugby Connect and a current player with The Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club, the recent winner of the 50th anniversary of Ruggerfest.
"Rugby has shifted pretty much every part of my life ever since I started playing back in 2012. A decade of growth on and off the pitch started back in high school when I first started playing. In high school all I did was get as inebriated as possible anyway I could. I played football but it was never something I truly was passionate about. Once I started to play rugby I was embraced by the culture of a band of brothers that really kept each other accountable. I started to focus a bit more on being present when I didn't necessarily have to and started taking better care of myself. Once we were done with high school the only path I saw for myself with joining the military and I never had any aspirations outside of that and being a professional athlete. a week before going to my recruitment appointment an e-mail came in about a rugby orientation for the University of New Mexico college team and I felt obligated to go. Shortly after I had enrolled at the University with no direction in regards to a major or career path. One of my good friends and close rugby acquaintances from high school named Jacob Lopez directed me towards accounting which I would soon build my career around. I started to play 7s on a traveling squad my junior year with a coach named Angus Peacock who taught me lessons on the pitch that were applicable in every facet of life and I'm very thankful for. That same year I tore my ACL and thought I was done with athletics as a whole and just focused on my accounting career. I always felt like I never reached my potential so after a year I got back on the pitch as a senior for the last regular season game. Made my appearance and the team rallied behind me which brought tears to my eyes thinking about the impact I made. After college I chased after a couple of different careers but found it very lackluster and I decided to switch focus from business and decided to try to be a professional rugby player in Denver through the Glendale Raptors .I lived out of my car for a week until Angus had reached out and offered me housing for free accompanied by a part time job. I went on my own accord and I never got to make the professional roster but that following summer I ended up in Vail thru the pathway system Glendale had set up and decided living in the mountains was going to be my new pursuit. I focused on how to do it but COVID kicked in the next year and so coming back to Vail was not an option. Luckily my time in college and my experience in business led to a job offer in Aspen and I made that move just focused on my new job and the ability to live in the mountains but found that they had one of the most prestigious clubs that I would ever get the privilege of playing for which opened many doors for me including my current career path as well as some of the best hobbies I have ever had. I owe rugby everything and don’t regret one minute of it."