Sports
Rugby Returns to Mercer Island
On the eve of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, a training camp for the sport started by a Fijian star lands at the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club.
Serevi Rugby coach Josh Young is part of a team of youth coaches introducing local youth to the sport this fall at the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club.
Every Monday since late September, Young and a group of more than a dozen children play "Flag Rugby", which helps them develop elements of their game such as passing, kicking, running, teamwork, and decision making, friendship and fitness during the non-contact camp.
Over the years, according to Young, the popularity of rugby football has waxed and waned on Mercer Island. The Eastside Lions Youth Rugby Club coach believes the Serevi program may be the answer for re-igniting local interest.
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The youth rugby program was established by world-renowned Fijian rugby sevens player Waisale Serevi, who played professional and international rugby as a player and coach around the world, most notably to represent his home nation, Fiji, in the Rugby World Cup.
The Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and France — played in Aukland, New Zealand — will be televised at noon Sunday, Oct. 23 on NBC affilitate KING-5 TV.
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