BARTLETT, New Hampshire ??” The 3rd Annual Bull Moose Rugby Tournament hits the pitch at the Fields of Attitash in Bartlett, N.H. on Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12. Teams from all the New England states, plus New York, West Virginia and Canada will be competing within two men’s divisions and a new women’s division, which has been added for this year’s tournament.

“We’re really pumped up about this year’s tournament,” said Nick Label, member of the Mount Washington Valley Bull Moose Rugby Football Club. “This tournament is quickly becoming one of the largest in the Northeast. It has grown every year and brought a lot of people and business to the Mount Washington Valley in the process.”

Saturday’s matches run from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday’s take place from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available. No outside alcohol will be permitted at the event.

Winners of the 2nd Annual Tournament were the Mystic River squad in Division 1 and the Rhody Old Cocks in Division 2. All attending teams in this year’s event will be playing at least three matches. Spectators are welcomed at all events and seating is available for approximately 1000 at The Fields of Attitash venue.

The Bull Moose Rugby Football Club was formed in 1999. More information about the Club and tournament is available at www.bullmooserugby.com.

Overnight guests can choose from lodging options at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel located adjacent to The Fields of Attitash by calling (800) 223-7669 or visiting www.attitash.com.

About Rugby

Rugby is a spectator friendly sport, even for those not familiar with the rules of play. Teams are typically comprised of 15 players each. Points are scored by either grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area (similar to an end zone), or by kicking the ball through uprights. The ball used is similar in shape to a football, but is larger and heavier.

One of the most identifiable elements of rugby is called a scrum. A scrum is when 8 members of each team interlock their upper bodies with the ball on the ground below them and attempt to push the other team off the ball to establish possession. Other rough sounding happenings in rugby include the maul and the ruck.

The New England Rugby Football Union is one of the driving forces behind rugby in the region. While the sport may not have the widespread appeal of golf or baseball, teams are practicing and playing matches regularly across New England. More information about rugby in New England is available at www.nerfu.org.