This weekend, the Penn State rugby team will be taking to the pitch in Columbus, Ohio, but they will be playing a totally different game than ever before.

The Lions will be competing in the Collegiate 7’s Championship Invitational this weekend along with 15 other top rugby teams in the nation. Usually, rugby is played with 15 players per team, but only 7 will be in play at a time this weekend. 7 on 7 rugby will be introduced to the Olympics in 2016, so this is a preview for all of those interested. The open field will allow for higher scoring and an even more exciting game to be played.

This is also the first American rugby event to be televised nationally in the States. In doing this, the sport may gain a whole new audience. Many people (myself included) got interested in rugby at the end of last year and this should only add to the curiosity about the game.

Penn State plays in Group C of the 16 team draw. They will play Bowling Green, Utah and then Ohio State in pool play. The OSU-PSU match will be televised at 5:30 pm on NBC. Matches will start to be televised at 4 pm that day. As always, make sure to check your local listings. So if you’re in the Columbus area, make sure to head out and support the team; If not, catch this first-ever event on NBC and figure out what rugby is all about.

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