Women’s Rugby is ‘Going to Explode’ In LB by

The Belmont Shore Women’s Rugby Club has been playing rugby in Long Beach since 1974. Many of the athletes on the team come out of the city’s Samoan community. With multiple MVP awards and championships under their belt, the Landsharks have long been a force to be reckoned with in both national and international competition.

Now, with men and women’s rugby set to be included in this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro – the first time the sport will be included in the games since 1924 – players on the team anticipate greater interest in the sport.

Across the country female rugby players are now competing to see who will make it onto the 12-woman roster for U.S. Olympic team. And while no one’s slot is certain, Landsharks players say the sport’s inclusion in the games means more young women joining a sport that offers connection to culture, community and the wider world.

VoiceWaves spoke to a few Landsharks players to hear about what rugby means to them and what its inclusion in the Summer Olympics means for the women’s game.

Elevila Thompson, 28.

Position: Lock

Rugby was a way to connect to my dad’s side of the family. I think [rugby] is a very empowering sport. It looks scarier than it is, so as a woman it makes me wonder what other things I’m not trying because they look intimidating. I think rugby being in the Olympics will bring a lot more people to the game … rugby is going to explode soon here.

Matelina Maluia, 26.

Position: Flank/Inside Center

When I play, everyone [in my family] comes. I’ve seen a lot of things just traveling with this team. This is where I found myself. When I first came on the team, I had anger issues. I hated everybody; I hated the world. I started [playing rugby] two years ago, and I was only doing it to drop weight, but when I started playing I fell in love with it. It’s a big stress reliever. People don’t really follow [rugby], but when they get into it or see it, they get interested. The Olympics gives me a chance to try out. I’d rather play for my motherland, but I’m excited. This is a big deal. This is giving me a chance to get myself together so I can try out. It’s motivation.

Laurel Afemata, 21.

Position: Wing

I love rugby. It’s helped me figure out what I want to do. I love the contact. I like the hitting. That’s the most fun for me. Women in the sports world aren’t noticed as much as men, so when you see females go on the field and go full contact, it surprises people. I don’t think rugby was as popular as it is now. There are more people getting into it now.

Anastasia Suesue, 27. Position: Prop Rugby is my little hobby that I like to have, something to do after work instead of just going home and watching television. As a woman, it’s one of those sports that you think really only guys play, so this shows that girls can play this, too. Women have strength. I’ve even had some of my male friends come to watch our games and say, ‘Dude, your games are more physical than guys’ games.’ Our Belmont Shore women’s team was the first team to play internationally in New Zealand. We beat the New Zealand team, which is now the powerhouse of women’s rugby. We can say we did that. We got to the playoffs this past season, and we’re only going to get better from here on.