Jackson Free Press

For the first time in several years, the Jackson Rugby Football Club will compete in the playoffs for the Southern Conference Division Championships. Even more thrilling, the team is vying for first place.

Saturday, March 15, JRFC will play against the Birmingham Vulcans Rugby Football Club, ranked No. 1 in the division. Birmingham has a perfect record for the 2014 spring season, with no losses out of six games so far. JRFC's record for this season is 5-2. Its first game of the season was a 57-22 win over Memphis Blues Rugby Club.

"Just making it to the playoffs is encouraging for the Club on a number of levels," JRFC team captain James Lawson said in a press release. "It's not only exciting to be in this position, but hopefully it adds a new level of interest for potential players to come out and give the sport a try. The larger the talent pool a club has to pick from, naturally, the higher its success rate will be."

Founded in 1974, JRFC is Mississippi's oldest men's athletic club, its website states. It welcomes men at least 16 years old to practice with and play for the club. Practice during the season is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

JRFC's Saturday game will be at the team's home complex in northwest Jackson near the intersection of Interstate 220 and Highway 49. The Jackson Rugby Complex sits on 38 acres of land and includes two international-sized rugby fields.

See the Jackson Rugby Football Club battle Birmingham for first place in the Southern Conference Division Championships at 1 p.m. March 15 at the Jackson Rugby Complex (3213 Forest Ave. Extension). JRFC hosts a post-match social after each game during which fans can eat and drink with the two teams. For more info, visit Jackson-rugby.com.