Sports
Johnston Native Brings Rugby To RI
The team, which is steadily attracting fans, was established in March.
Have you heard about Rhode Island's newest sports team? The Rhode Island Rebellion, which plays its home games at Classical High School, is a semi-professional Rugby League team in the USA Rugby League (USARL).
Lawrence Almagno, a Cranston resident and Johnston native, has owned the team since March, along with his partners Alex DeCiccio, who is involved with player personnel, and Anthony Nardolilli, who is involved with financial aspects of the team.
The endeavor began with a chance meeting last year, Almagno recalled.
"Last summer, I worked at Kodiak Capital Group, which is a hedge fund in New York. [They said] 'Hey, do you want to sit in on this meeting? We're breaking away from the AMNRL (American National Rugby League),'" Almagno explained.
Soon after, Almagno started looking for players, and a dream started to become reality.
"Since I was in highschool, I've always wanted to this," he said.
The USARL currently has 8 teams and 12 more under development. Besides Rhode Island, there are teams in Boston, Jacksonville, Fla., New Haven, Conn., New Jersey, Oneida, N.Y., Philadelphia, Penn., and Washington, D.C.
Some people may not be familar with rugby, but Almagno encourages them to give it a try.
"It's not your college-style rugby. There's no stopping for penalties," explained Almagno. "You can take someone who is the antithesis of a sports fan, and they'll understand what's going on."
So far, Almagno explained he's pleased with the team's success. Attendance has gone up since the beginning of the season, and the team attracted approximately 300 people to their last game.
He said feels as though there is room for growth in the sport in general, and for Rhode Island in particular. He cited the success of the Jacksonville team, which attracts 5,000 fans for each game.
"They've been around for 6 years, I've been around since March," said Almagno.
Almagno said he hopes to make the Rebellion a financial success, but that isn't his sole motivation. The Rebellion is currently working to start two flag rugby teams in Providence middle schools, with the hope of expanding the program in the future.
Besides exposing children to the sport, he wants them to share the same positive experiences he has had over the years.
"I know the effect it has had on me, and I can imagine the effect it will have on others with more talent than me. It truly takes you around the world," explained Almagno. "I'm just flabberghasted by the response from kids. They just see people out there having a good time."
The team currently has 26 players, and the majority of them live in Rhode Island. Almagno mentioned a few Rebellion players, including Steve and Brad Crandall from Cranston, and Derek Trahan from Johnston, as the stars of his crew.
On the Crandalls, he explained: "Brad is a co-captain. They're both built like bricks. They both make tackles and break lines. Brad is the more intimidating defensive player, and Steve is the more intimidating offensive player."
As for the Derek Trahan, Almagno was equally complimentary.
"He's probably the best defensive player on the team and he's only about 5-foot-6, 160 (pounds). He's just got great technique. He has the talent to make the national team," said Almagno.
Trahan, who has been playing rugby for 5 years, said he's excited about the Rebellion's chances for success.
"I can see this league growing fast if the right people get involved," Trahan explained. "I haven't met anyone that has seen a game and didn't enjoy the blood, fast pace, and big hits. If this league expands the way it should, I can see myself involved for a while."
The Rebellion's next home game is scheduled for July 9 at 8 p.m. at Classical High School. Tickets are $5, and all proceeds will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation. The team has also donated 500 tickets to breast cancer survivors, Almagno said.
