40th Anniversary Tour Announced, San Diego exodus begins

Yes Indeed, Portland Rugby Club has defied the odds and made it (or looks set to make it) to the ripe old age of 40. And just like your typical aging hipster it's having a mid-life crisis and taking itself out West to go find itself amidst the palms and sea breezes of San Diego. And guess what? You're invited.

Yep, if you've ever played for Portland (or wished you could), clear your diary from the 18th to the 23rd of February, 2009, 'cos you could be living it up in the always-72-degrees Californian paradise, or if you've got the stomach for it, in nearby Tijuana, which is just a stone's throw away.

Current costs are estimated to be around $750 per person, and that gets you one Old Boys game (if you qualify), one A Side game (if you've got the chops for it) and a visit to watch the IRB Sevens at Petco Park - and that's just the scheduled activities. No doubt there will be countless nights of debauchery in the Gasslamp District or anywhere else you can persuade a taxi to take you.

At the time of writing that's just 332 days until we leave, and that means just about $2 a day you have to save, so get on it. More details will emerge as we get closer to the event, but in the mean time you can ask your questions, make any suggestions or signal your intention to participate through the contact section of the website. This will all get forwarded along to Evan and Andy who are the masterminds behind the plan.

See you there!

Home Opener

Portland kick's off their Spring season tomorrow with a game against Amoskeag at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Given the heavy demand for artificial fields at this time of year the kick off is a little earlier than normal, with the start set for 11am. Be there early to get a good seat.

Directions below:

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Tuesday training will now be on Wednesday

There's not too much more to add. It's all still at Howard Sports, at the same time, but now with added Wednesday.
Thursday practice remains the same, on Thursday.

Training at Gorham Sports this Saturday (3/15)

After weeks of bouncing around in the confines of Howard Sports, the wide-open greenery of Gorham Sports Center beckons tomorrow, where a pitch has been laid on for you from 2:30 to 4pm so you can stretch your legs.

Because I know you're going to ask, I've already provided you with a nice map below so you know how to get there. So that's one less excuse you can use. I'm sure your overactive imagination can come up with plenty of others.


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Dr. Phil says your couch and your fat arse should see less of each other

Yes, that's right, even Oprah's heavy-handed head shrinker can see that the relationship you've developed with your couch has become unhealthy.

I hate to be the one to break this to you, but your couch wants to start seeing other people. Other, erm...slimmer people.

Sure, I understand that this is all probably a lot to take in right now. Take your time with it. Breath.

I know that you though things had been going really well between you and your favorite piece of upholstered loveliness, but really, can't you see how all those chips and cookie crumbs took their toll on her?

And those dents. Man, those dents. It just makes me shudder thinking about it.

That just isn't healthy for either of you.

But hey...come on. Stop crying. You've got to pull yourself together if you're going to win her back. Hell, you don't even want that piece of trash back anyway. A good looking guy like you should be shopping at Pottery Barn, if you know what I mean.

This time it's going to be different though, right? No more 12-hour Mountain Dew fueled binges playing Halo. Sure, you thought you were happy at the time, but look what its done to both of you. Fragging n00bs loses its lustre after a while and all you're left with is a sore thumb and pile of returnables.

We've all been there man. Nobody's going to judge you. C'mon....wipe those eyes, and get yourself back in the kind of shape that looks good on a couch again.

You can make a start any Tuesday or Thursday at Howard Sports. 6:30 for 6:45 on Tuesday, 6:45 for 7 on Thursday.

Trust me. You'll be feeling better about yourself in no time.

And hey, this Saturday afternoon, since you're going to be free from now on, get to Bates College for some more indoor turf time. I'll hit you up with the deets later in the week.

It's time to be a man again.

"Spring" Training

If you've just been growing wider on the couch it's time to have someone pry you off it and push you out the door in the direction of Howard Sports. Yes, that's right, what we jokingly refer to as "Spring Training" is starting up next week (2/5), despite the fact that a green blade of grass may not appear in the state for several more months.

In one of his first acts as President, Jerry has been able to secure us twice-weekly sessions indoors at Howard Sports in Saco, one in gym and one on turf, so there's opportunity to hone your skills as well as your chiseled physique. Specifics on the times etc. are republished below as well as a map with directions at the very bottom.

Tuesday Practices:
Location: Howard Sports in Saco, Gymnasium #2
Time: 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm
Everyone is expected to be fully kitted-up and ready to practice by 6:45 pm so we make the most of our allotted time. Don't show up late in hopes of trying to miss the fitness portion of the training, we all need to be fit to repeat NERFU.
Cost: $5 dollars a person to be collected pre-practice.
Because this is a gymnasium ensure that you have the proper footwear for practice "sneakers".

Thursday Practices:
Location: Howard Sports in Saco, Small Turf
Time: 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm
Everyone is expected to be fully kitted-up and ready to practice by 6:45 pm, being on time on Thursday is critical because we have less time at the facility.
Cost: $5 dollars a person to be collected pre-practice
Because this is turf ensure that you have the proper footwear for practice "sneakers, cleats and or turf shoes".


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