Registration is currently under way for 25 positions to form the Long Island Colts boys under 19 rugby team, the only boys club in Nassau County and one of four teams on Long Island. Yearly dues are $100 and financial assistance and sponsorships are available. Practices begin in February at North Shore Middle School, Glen Head, Sea Cliff, Syosett and Freeport. Players come from a variety of high schools including North Shore, Glen Cove and Locust Valley.

High school rugby in the USA is a spring sport played on a football-size field and played without helmets, pads or timeouts. A game of rugby typically lasts 80 minutes. Rugby players play offense and defense and every player on the field is expected to run like a wide receiver, kick like a punter, tackle like a defensive back, pass like a quarterback and score touchdowns like a running back.

Rugby is the latest sport on Long Island and high school boys under 19 interested in playing this tough, full contact game based on football should contact New Zealand coach John Royal at 395-6977 or visit www.lirugby.com. New players are most welcome.