Rugby Rogues

Now that there’s no more arena football in Kansas City, the stage is set for rugby to finally make its long-awaited entrance at the Sprint Center — or not. “Most people are surprised to find out rugby even exists in Kansas City,” says Wayne Nicholsen, a co-founder of Kansas City’s fifth and newest rugby team, the Rogues. The sport has thrived in the area since the arrival of the Kansas City RFC in 1964. The Rogues played their first season in 2008 with a 30-member squad that also traveled to St. Louis and Omaha. Tonight, the Rogues host a “sevens” tournament at the Soccer Dome (5909 Equitable Road, 816-231-4812) to brush off the winter doldrums and prepare for a season that starts February 28. The action is typically more fast-paced and more spectator-friendly with only seven dudes on the field (as opposed to the typical 15). Contact kcrugby7@yahoo to get involved with the upcoming Rogues season.

Sat., Jan. 31, 9 p.m., 2009