[PHOTOSTORY 3: MOTION] The Savannah Shamrocks Women's Rugby Club Practice Session

 By: Julia Sellman

    Riley Farland, the social media manager of the Savannah Shamrock's Women's Rugby Club, is laughing about a Rugby meme she was just sent. Riley also is on the women's team and her position on the team is a Flanker, which is in the back row. 

Riley is laughing with the coach of the women's team, Allison Kurtz, about the rugby meme. Allison has been a coach with the women's team for over two years now, and started rugby when she was in college a few years ago. 

Debby Lane (far right) is practicing her throws before the practice begins. "I joined the women's team a few months ago, and I'm so happy I did! They're a wonderful group of women, so supportive and kind."

Tina Evans catches the ball Debby threw. Tina is assistant coach and has been on the team since early January. 

Allison is getting the balls set up for a warm up for the rest of the women. "Getting to be a coach for these women is a treat, they're easy to work with and try their hardest each practice and game." Allison said.

Katherine Pugh is doing one of the pre-practice warm ups. Katherine is a scrumhalf position on the team, which means she has a crucial role in maintaining possession of the ball. 

The current warm up pre-practice is leg lifts. "My legs are always burning after these", says Katherine to her teammate Abbey Hill (to Katherine's right). 

Next are lunges across the field. "I don't mind these as much, they're a bit easier to me", Katherine says.

Mary Kate Lanely (left) and Tamara Stells (right) are doing lunges across the field for the second time. "I'm always so happy to get this part over with", says Mary Kate Lanely

 Then it's time for the forward and backwards leg swings. Brigid Gardner (left), is the women's representative for the team and has been on the team for 4 years. 

Stretches are after the other warm ups. "You actually have to be rather flexible in Rubgy, I feel like that might surprise people but that's just how it is", Katherine explains. 

Quadriceps is the next stretch. Katherine is talking to her teammate Brigid about what she plans to do after the practice that night. 

Hamstring stretches are the final stretches before the practice. "I think what I love the most about rugby is the community. We're all so close and supportive of each other, it's truly something wonderful to be part of", says Brigid. 

Sarah Burke is making sure her arms are all warmed up and ready for practice by doing some arm circle exercises. "I'm a bank teller during the day, and rugby is such a nice outlet for me. I never saw myself doing this, but here I am, and loving it!"

Allison has the women huddle up with her and discuss the game plan for their practice tonight. They have a game the upcoming Saturday they're preparing for. 

Grace Jensen (far right) catches the ball. This is still a warm up and not a practice game yet. 

Grace throws the ball to Ginny Wright. Allison is keeping a close eye on things. 

Damien Park missed her catch when it was passed to her. "I've always loved competitive but fun sports, and rugby is that perfect combination for me. I've never liked a sport as much as I do with rugby."

Damien tackles Ginny. "I think when I was younger, I wanted to be in a sport like this, but just didn't know that it really existed if that makes sense." 

Katherine Pugh is doing a trick shot after the practice has ended for the night. "Rugby is for everyone, I think you should just got for it and give it a shot. You might end up loving it like I do."