50th Atlantic Cup held at Cape Henlopen State Park

Rugby players from across the Mid-Atlantic gathered in Cape Henlopen State Park Aug. 19 for the Atlantic Cup, just as they have been doing for more than 50 years. With one year lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s contest was the 50th Atlantic Cup.

Wilmington Rugby Football Union played host and WRFU’s Kevin Hall was the tournament director. Burley Oak Brewing out of Berlin, Md., supplied the brews, while the teams provided the entertainment. 

“Rugby is a good sport, and it brings together different generations,” Hall said. “You follow through with the new college guys who have just graduated, and they come into the club and just keep it going.”

Hall said WRFU prides itself on hosting the premier Delaware tournament and views it as an opportunity to freshen up and get ready for the regular fall season. He said while the level of competition is quality, it is much more a social gathering where teams get together, play and share stories about the glories of the past and what they believe is still to come in their rugby careers. Rugby players pride themselves on their ability to compete on the field and maintain fellowship off the field.

“We go beat each other up on the field, and when we both come off the field, we’re best friends. There’s nothing like it,” Hall said.

Ethan Owens, president of WRFU, said the goal of the tournament is for everyone to enjoy themselves. 

“It is a social tournament and it’s nothing but fun,” Owens said. “We try to make sure everything’s light and everyone is keeping it cool and having fun.”

The tournament isn’t just for the men either, with WRFU’s women’s team making the trek down to Lewes as well. Starting in 2018, the women began playing in a lot of the same tournaments as the men. 

Savannah Beans, who played collegiately at Claremont Colleges, said the 50th Atlantic Cup was a big deal for the men's side, but she is excited to see the women’s game grow.

“I think the East Coast is very unique in that people can start playing in high school. I personally didn’t; I started in college, but people who saw the Olympics and wanted to play, they are playing, and this is like their first or second year out here,” Beans said.

She said what she enjoys most is the camaraderie, which she experienced in college and out of college. “It’s a close-knit group of very supportive people, and it’s a great time,” Beans said.

In a testament to the family atmosphere and generational interest, WRFU’s Tom Weir was able to play on the same rugby field his father Bob played on. During the interview with Weir, a fellow rugby enthusiast introduced himself to Tom and related how great a rugby player his dad was and he was fortunate to play with him.

“Some of my earliest memories are watching one of my dad’s rugby matches from the sidelines,” Weir said.

Weir said unfortunately, over the years, the Atlantic Cup has gone from a two-day tournament down to a one-day event. He said he fell in love with the game when he became old enough to play, but the current state of club rugby in the United States has led to a decrease in participation.

“We’ve been able to maintain this for 50 years because there’s a group that we have that is a pretty passionate, persistent group. A lot of people circle this on the calendar, and they come down to our beaches and play rugby. It might be the only match they play all season,” Weir said in reference to the older age bracket.

Weir said the WRFU youth program has been growing year by year, and there is a youth movement beginning to take shape in rugby.

Matt Weik, captain of WRFU’s Old Boys team, said it includes guys who are a little older but still can compete at a high level. While he wishes the tournament would have permanent goalposts installed – the temporary ones broke down during the matches – he thought the weather Aug. 19 was perfect, and it was a great opportunity for families to see the game and support loved ones.

“It means a lot, and something that I feel when you’ve played this game for so long is just pure love,” Weik said.

Weik said the bonds created among players allow them to talk about anything. He noted when they go months without seeing one another, they are able to pick up where they left off during the tournaments.

More information about rugby in Delaware is available at rugbyde.org. Those interested in WRFU can go to wilmingtonrugby.com.