Athletes are often criticized for losing sight of why they play the game.

Some seem to be after the glory.

Others are after the money.

Not many appear to play for the reason they usually start playing: because they enjoy the game.

For the EIU Club Rugby team, the Hornets, it is one of the reasons they keep playing.

“Even though we are not sanctioned through the school, the games are still very intense and taken seriously,” said Matthew O’ Grady, team president of Hornet rugby.

The rugby team is not sanctioned by the NCAA.

There is less recognition for the rugby teams than there is with other programs.

That doesn’t change the fact that the teams on the field are competing and hungry for victory.

The fact that the team is not sanctioned does not stop them from building the camaraderie that other sports develop.

“The team is extremely close,” O’ Grady said. “Not only do we see each other at our practices four days a week for two hours, but we also socialize together as well.”

The closeness of the team translates on to the field.

“This team is a lot more concerned with the team and not about individual accomplishments,” said John Lydon, who is also the vice president of the Hornets.

After going undefeated in their conference last year, they hope to go into the playoffs and come away with the championship.

They play as part of the Illinois Rugby Union. Some of their opponents include Illinois State, University of Illinois and Northwestern among others.

But to help retain that focus, the team has implemented a rule.

“We don’t go out on Friday nights before a match,” said team captain Mike Mikaitis said. “We put in a team rule stating we won’t drink.”

With their focus intact and a team that supports each other, the Hornets play for the reason that matters most, for the fun and enjoyment.

But this is no backyard-for-fun-with-friends kind of game.

“Rugby is a sport with no pads and no protection,” Mikaitis said. “So when guys are running into each other and trying to hurt each other, there’s going to be times where things may get out of control.”

Junior flank, Chad Wilmarth, an education major, strips the ball during the men’s club rugby match on Saturday afternoon. Jay Grabiec/The Daily Eastern News

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