What the Scrum? Middle Age Men Play Rugby in Edgewater

If you think rugby is a young man's game, think again. 

Washington Poltroons are a over 35 men's rugby team. The team has been around for more than 30 years, but only just recently relocated its home pitch to the American Legion in Edgewater. 

At this point, you may be asking yourself, "Wait, what's rugby?"

Here's what I know: Players can't throw the ball forward and sometimes they kick it...to themselves. There's also something called a scrum, which is a way of restarting play. (So, I don't know a lot. Check the official site for USA Rugby for more info on the sport of rugby).

Just who plays on an over 35 men's rugby team? Well, pretty much anyone who is a man over the age of 35. 

"For a club whose Motto is 'Hostile, Senile, and Fragile' it boasts a membership which has included military Brass, Washington Lobbyists, computer programmers, doctors, teachers and the like, all coming together to recapture the magic age of ten," player James Cowan wrote in an email to Patch. 

The team plays a six game season in both spring and fall, sometimes traveling as far at Richmond for matches. The Poltroons have also traveled nationally and internationally to play in "old boys" events, Cowan said. 

They accept anyone from newcomers to men who have been playing for 40 or more years, according to Cowan. 

"The Annapolis area has seen the quickest growth of new members as many did not realize rugby was here," Cowan wrote in his email.

Interested in playing? The team practices Tuesday and Thursdays at Severn River Rugby club in Severna Park. Email Cowan at xrun@msn.com for more information.

Want to catch a local match? The Poltroons face off against the Wild Geese at 1 p.m. on September 29, and against the French at 1 p.m. on October 27. Both games will be played on the Poltroon's home pitch at the American Legion at 830 Mayo Rd. in Edgewater.