Unpadded bodies smashing into each other, players sliding across mud, cleats slinging up grass and an oddly shaped ball flying in the air. Some compare it to football, others soccer, but the Spartan Rugby...

Six players dig their heels into an open field as a teammate takes the kick-off in front of them. The pungent odor of grass and sweat captures their senses, and clear communication rings in their ears...

First game down, a season to go. While rugby is seen to be similar to football, the players have absolutely no protective gear, no team is playing specifically a defensive or offensive side and there are...

Run like a girl. Yell like a girl. Hit like a Lady Gladiator. With the occasional bloody nose or broken ankle, the Lady Gladiators Rugby team breaks down the gender stereotype of girls in contact sports...