Northern Kentucky Sports of all Sorts

For your to-do list: Men's Rugby and Women's Roller Derby events in Northern Kentucky.

A while back I was at Hap's and was surprised to find that the fellow talking to me plays rugby- for a Cincinnati team.

My brother played rugby when he was at school in California- and it's a rough and tumble sport. I never got to see him play (though I did beg, borrow and steal a number of his rugby shirts). His involvement in the sport piqued my interest, and from time to time I've made an effort to watch games and stay on top of some of the rugby rankings. The opportunity to see a rock 'em sock 'em live game is tempting, and it's added to my to-do list this spring.

The Northern Kentucky Grubs Rugby Football team plays against the two Cincinnati rugby teams, the Queen City Rugby Club and the Cincinnati Kelts, and teams all over the midwest weekly through May, according to their online schedule.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Black-n-Bluegrass Rollergirls bring new meaning to the term sportsmanship as the reigning Northern Kentucky roller derby team. The team photo and the general language of the Web site, which emphasizes riogorous practice sessions, leaves no doubt that this is a team to be reckoned with.

The team is currently working to raise money as part of the 2007 Walk-n-Roll Across America Benefit for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). No bouts scheduled yet, but stopping by a practice to watch the team throw down might be worthwhile. If you think you've got what it takes, the team is currently looking for new members too.