BY BRANDAN BLOM // SEPT. 25, 2013 //

Here in the United States, rugby represents little more than a fashion statement.

On the campus of Curry College, however, the sport is a lot more meaningful. This fall, 30 students will take the field to represent the Colonels in club rugby competition.

This Sunday, the team opens its five-game season in Lyndonville, Vt., to play the Lyndon State Hornets.

Curry’s players and coaches have been working for the past three years to earn club sport status. In 2011, the team started the process of joining a league, but didn’t have enough players to qualify. The group tried again last year, but failed to win the backing of the college’s athletic department. Nonetheless, the Curry ruggers still practiced and even had a few scrimmages against Nichols College and a few other schools.

This year, the Curry rugby club is an official member of the New England Rugby Football Union. Membership includes a true schedule and the opportunity to advance to a championship game, something team members could only dream about just a year ago. The Colonels practice three to four days a week, and are coached by Jamie Reilly, a member of the Curry Class of 2010.

The first home game will be next Sunday, Oct. 6 against Champlain College (Burlington, Vt.). The game will be played at Katz Field starting at 3 p.m.