Who are the Augusta Furies?
By Danielle Kennedy | Sports editor
The Furies are a women’s division two rugby team, a part of Augusta Rugby, that play in the CGRU, Carolina Geographic Rugby Union.
Established in 1999, the Furies have built a team of women that support each other and the community growing the game of rugby.
In the fall the team plays in rugby 15s games against other teams in the Carolinas region. They also play in rugby 7s games as well as a tournament in the spring.
The Furies are a team that is open to all women, at any level of rugby experience. They have open practices beginning at 6 pm every Tuesdays and Thursday, downtown at the Augusta Rugby Pitch.
After attending a practice recently and talking to some of the players, including Head Captain Belizabeth (Belle) Rengiil, I was made aware of how welcoming the environment is and all that the team has to offer beyond rugby.
“The thing about women’s sports, and sports in general, the purpose is a team. So being here and with this team especially, we all support each other on and off the pitch,” said Rengiil.
Upon arriving at practice, I was immediately welcomed by the players. Conversations flowed as women put on their cleats and began warming up. At this practice a few new women were trying rugby out for the first time.
While the team has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the number of players is an ongoing issue for both the women’s and men’s, the Maddogs, rugby teams here in Augusta. With worries about having enough players to roster for upcoming games, the Furies are always welcoming to new players joining the team.
“We’re trying to get more numbers,” said Kala Reid, Furies player. “We’re trying to recruit.”
Whether you know nothing about rugby or are an experienced player, the Furies are open to all and encouraging to come out and at the very least just try a practice.
“As long as you bring the right attitude and mindset, once you’re out here, you’re gonna love it,” said Reid.
The team consists of a variety of women all from different backgrounds, who bring their own uniqueness to the team.
“Like in life, the more variety that you have the more perspectives that you have, the more well-rounded the team will be,” said Rengiil. “We have young girls that just have that energetic spirit and we have that older population that have that life experience, and it just rounds out our team.”
Beyond just rugby, the Furies want to create a sense of community.
“My favorite thing about rugby is not the tackling, it’s not the passing, it’s the community,” said Rengiil.
Recently the team spent a day supporting the Soul City Sirens, a women’s roller derby team in Augusta, as they faced off in a match. They were also at the Augusta Ironman race on Sept. 28, cheering on the athletes as they competed.
If you’re looking for a welcoming women’s sports environment or just want to try something new, Furies practice is the place to do it. They are more than just a team, they are a community.
You can join the Furies at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Augusta Rugby Pitch, 100 Wood St. The Maddogs, the men’s team, also hold practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the same location.
The Furies will face off against the Columbia Bombshells at the Augusta Rugby Pitch on Oct 18 at 2 p.m. They will also play their last two games of the season at home against the Savannah Shamrocks on Oct 25 and the Atlanta Old White on Nov 8.
You can follow the Furies on Instagram @augusta.furies to stay up to date with the latest news of the team. You can also follow the Maddogs @augustarugby.
Contact Danielle Kennedy at dakennedy@augusta.edu.
At the top of the page, a player from the Furies attemps to rush against the defense during a recent match. (photo by Rebel Shots Photography/exclusive to the Bell Ringer)
At the bottom: Furies’ players are pictured during practice. (photo by Danielle Kennedy/the Bell Ringer)
