The Druids Rugby team after making the semifinals of the 2011 Christmas 7s in Richmond, Virginia.

Playing in their first tournament ever, the new Druids invitational sevens rugby team overcame injury woes and player unavailability to reach the semifinals of their first ever tournament appearance at the James River Rugby Club’s Christmas 7s tournament in Richmond, Virginia.

The Druids are a new invitational sevens rugby team based in the Blue Ridge area of Southwest Virginia.  The Druids’ goal is to provide area players with the chance to join together and play quality sevens rugby when they are not busy playing for their primary rugby teams.  Founded by former Blacksburg Rugby standout Craig Bucher and coached by longtime veteran rugby player and coach Perry Pence, the Druids plan to draw players from area fifteen-a-side  college and club teams to train and play together in seven-a-side tournaments across the Mid-Atlantic region during breaks in the players’ fifteen-a-side commitments.  The Druids team in Richmond included representatives from Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Washington Irish. 

The Druids ventured to their first tournament with a lean staff due to some injuries and some last-minute scheduling conflicts for players.  Despite making the trip with only nine players, including one nursing a knee injury, the Druids managed to win their pool by winning two matches and drawing in a third.  In the knockout rounds,  the Druids saw a glimpse of what their invitational side might grow to become one day when they were trounced by the clinically  impressive Reaper Rugby invitational side from North Carolina.  The Reapers went on to win the tournament’s grand final, while the Druids’ thin ranks caught up with them in the bronze final as they faded late and lost to Roanoke as time expired.

The Druids are pleased with their promising start.  Look for more travel from the Druids during 2012 as they continue to develop their structure and player base.  If you are interested in being a part of the Druids, contact us!