Local Athlete Makes Sacrifices To Pursue Love Of Rugby

January 13, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire teenager Cody Nugent came to a crossroads last spring. He had just finished his junior season with the Cheshire Rugby Club and wanted to go further in the sport. But, to reach his goal of becoming an All-American, Nugent chose to sacrifice his senior season of Cheshire High School football.
“It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I spent the whole month before spring football thinking about it,” recalled Nugent, who would have been the only returning starter on the offensive line. “I loved the sport of rugby from the first time I played it. I felt I needed to face tough competition year round.”
Nugent started training rigorously in the summer. He represented Cheshire U-19 in the New Haven Rugby 7’s Tournament, held July 18 at Quinnipiac Park. That experience inspired him to join CRC Assistant Bill Bishop and Quinnipiac University sophomore Sean McGarrity (2008 CHS graduate) on the Hartford Wanderers, a men’s club, last fall.
“He really has a love for the game and wants to learn more about the position (hooker) he plays,” stated Bishop, who helped Nugent fill out a USA Rugby All-American application. “There are two All-American camps, one in the summer and winter. It’s for future national players.”
“When you are in the high school division, they have more stamina to run. Men’s league is about technique and involves more plays,” explained Nugent. “He (McGarrity) tried out for the U-19 National team, so he told me that you have to be a great athlete and understand the game.”
Last December, Nugent was happy to see his former CHS teammates earn the first Class LL football title since 1997. Their excitement is similar to what he experienced at the end of the month at the University of California-Santa Barbara. Nugent was among just 27 players invited to the United States All-American U-18 training camp, starting Dec. 28. The event culminated with a pair of scrimmages against Canadian standouts on Jan. 1 and 3 in Harder Stadium.
“He (Bishop) is good friends with a coach out there,” said Nugent, whose father joined him on the trip. “One of the coaches was supposed to come see me play, but couldn’t make it, so I got put on the reserve list. Then a player got hurt and I was named to the team. I got a message from Coach Bishop and thought it was a joke.”
The first four days of the camp were spent learning the game and each other before the first competition. Despite coming from different areas, the coach told them they would be representing America and, according to Nugent, that created an unspoken bond.
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had between training this week and playing in the games,” Nugent stated. “The first game was an exhibition just to see how we fit together. I got in for the last couple minutes when we were up by 25 or 30 points. It was the toughest competition I’ve faced and I’ve played in men’s club.”
Playing time was not guaranteed for the second game so, when the coach called his name, he remembers shaking. The starting hooker received a yellow card and had to sit down during the first half.
“I felt really nervous about coming in, but that wore off,” described Nugent. “When I started playing rugby, I never thought I would get to this level. Our (All-American) coaches are from England and South Africa. They complimented me after the first game and when they told me to warm up (for the second game), it was a great feeling.”
The Canadian team scored to cut the halftime deficit to 7-5, but the Americans shut them down and scored 25 unanswered points to sweep the series.
“After the first competition, they said the only reason they lost is that we were a U-18 team and they were U-17. That fired us up,” said Nugent. “We play basically the same style. Canada starts the same age because they have a lot of youth program like overseas in Europe.”
While the U-18 team faced Canada, the U.S. U-20 team competed against New Zealand. The atmosphere was gratifying when you consider Nugent started playing the sport three years ago. Former CHS football and rugby captain Devin Mannion suggested that Nugent play his sophomore season with the Parks and Recreation club. He started for the A-side that capture the Division II Championship and later received Rookie of the Year.
“When I started, I was confused. But I was determined to improve and become a better player,” Nugent recalled. “I can understand the game much faster. The experience of watching and playing the game really helps. Every day in California, we would have film sessions to find what we can do better.”
Teamwork is one of his favorite aspects of rugby. As a guard for CHS football, he rarely had the opportunity to touch the ball.
“You have to rely on all 15 players to keep the other team from scoring. It is a family bond,” explained Nugent. “You are so competitive with your opponents, but after the game, you are friends. Simsbury is one of our biggest rivals (at Cheshire) and I look forward to shaking hands and eating pasta afterwards.”
While not glamorous, the hooker position is vital to attacking and defense in rugby. Nugent played there during his sophomore season, but Cheshire Head Coach Joe Masi moved him to inside center as a junior.
“When I went to Hartford (Wanderers), they agreed that I would probably go higher places as a hooker. I just worked on my throwing and tackling,” Nugent said. “It is one of the most tiring sports I’ve ever played.”
The Wanderers play year round, but their league season is during fall. According to Bishop, the team finished 5-2-2 in 2009. Home games against teams from Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts are held at Colt Park in Hartford.
“We lost the last game of the season that knocked us out of the playoffs,” said Bishop. “Anybody can play, but it’s mostly guys in their 20s and 30s. The men’s club was a huge jump for Cody because he was playing against adults and that helped him develop quickly.”
Nugent is excited for the spring season, when he will join CHS classmate John Sheehan as captains of the Cheshire club. After falling short of their goals last year, Cheshire seeks to win the Connecticut Valley League and qualify for the National Championship. Cheshire has grown considerably since its inception in 2006.
“It helps with your confidence that the players and coaches have confidence in you to lead the team,” added Nugent. “Usually only captains are able to talk to the referees and it feels good to be the voice of the team.”
Over the next couple of months, the All-American coaching staff will remain in touch with him, as they formulate their national team.
Nugent hopes to continue his development at Central Connecticut State University. Seven former Cheshire players, including his older brother (Brian; 2007 CHS graduate), are members of their rugby club.
“I’ve already practiced with them,” said Nugent. “It used to be a competitive (Division) III team nationally. I think last year was the first time they made the playoffs in like five years.”