U of A Rugby Player Selected to Try Out for National Rugby Football League
Corey Jones (front center) with the U of A rugby team.
Rugby, a contact sport most traditionally played in countries abroad, is coming to the United States by way of the National Rugby Football League this summer. The NRFL Rough Riders will be the first American professional rugby league to play in August against the Leicester, England, Tigers, twice the winners of the European Cup.
More than 600 athletes tried out for the NRFL, but only 60 athletes made the cut to audition. Among those 60 players is one of University Recreation's Club Sports men's rugby player, Corey Jones, who will be the youngest player trying out for the team. The final Rough Riders team will consist of 45 players competing for 15 starting spots in the first game.
"It is a bit of a shell shock to be 21 years old and playing with elite, professional athletes like NFL (National Football League) players," said Jones.
"It hasn't really hit me yet, and I am just trying to stay focused. I graduate in May and immediately start my six-week NRFL training in June."
Jones had the highest "beep test" at the NRFL tryouts. The highest beep test score possible is 22 meters and Jones scored 19.2.
"The greatest blessing of my life has been the gift of health," said Jones.
"I played football and baseball in high school and also competed in wrestling, track, and mixed martial arts."
Jones started playing UREC Club Sports rugby his freshman year at the University of Arkansas. This spring semester will mark his fourth year playing for the team.
"Being a student athlete has been a great privilege. Getting to know the staff and personnel that make this team possible has been an amazing experience to add to my college life," said Jones.
"The competiveness, the ability to travel, the brotherhood, and teaching the sport to other people is what I have enjoyed most about being a rugby player."
Jones is currently finishing his degree in early childhood education at the U of A. Jones is also a volunteer and coach for the upcoming Children's Youth Rugby League at the Donald W. Reynolds Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville. Jones will begin his six-week training camp in June, in preparation and hopes of making the NRFL Rough Riders team.
Contacts
Shannon Dere , assistant director
University Recreation
479-575-6736,
ltlarso@uark.edu
Lindsay Smith, assistant director
University Recreation
479-575-2662,
ltlarso@uark.edu
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