Argentine Sports Connection

The Washington Furies WRFC visited Argentina on July 2006.

Although the team has a vast experience on international rugby tours, it was the first time in this beautiful southamerican country.

ASC interviewed Joan Oxman, Furies' second row starter and tour coordinator. She's been playing rugby for ten years now. She began her carrer in college at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Once graduated, she continued playing for Brandywine WRFC in Wenchester, PA and since 2004 she's been with the Furies. She also has been selected to play for MARFU's select side in 2005 and 2006, and she participated in the famous Ottawa tournament with the East Coast Harlots team for three consecutive years.

ASC: What did you know about argentina before tour?

My first trip to Argentina was in 2005 to attend a wedding in Mendoza, so I was familiar with the country before the tour.

ASC: How did you find out about ASC?

Word of mouth. I heard about ASC from a friend that plays rugby for the Potomac Athletic Club in Washington, DC.

ASC: How did you fundraise for tour?

Each Fury going on the tour was responsible to fundraise a certain amount of money. The money was used to pay for all of the tour costs except airfare. To be eligible for funds, each Fury had to fundraise a certain amount of money, plus help out at other fundraisers held by Furies going on tour. Some examples of our fundraisers were yard work, office painting, happy hours, and Pampered Chef.

ASC: How was your experience planning your tour with ASC? Where they available? Knowledgeable? Helpful?

The experience was great. ASC made the whole process very easy. They were always available to answer our questions during the planning process and on the actual tour.They really went out of their way to design a tour that would accommodate everyone in our group, while keeping the tour costs within our range. A few of us stayed in Argentina longer than the tour and ASC helped us plan activities and find accommodations.

ASC: What was your first impression of Buenos Aires?

My first impression was that the architecture is amazing. I could walk around the streets for hours just looking at buildings and plazas.

ASC: How many matches did you play in Argentina? What were the final scores? How were the fields?

We played 3 matches and won all of them. The scores were 10-0, 26-0, 26-5. The fields were in great condition. They are much better than the fields we play on in the US.

ASC: What are the furies ranked in US division I rugby? What was the highest rank?

Currently, we are unranked. We are hoping to be ranked again by the end of November. Our highest ranking was 6 back in 2001 and 2004. (Note: by the end of the 2006 Nationals, the Furies were ranked 7th in nation).

ASC: Were the local players friendly after the games?

They were very friendly. I was impressed by their sportsmanship after the games. After each game, our opponents kissed on the cheek and thanked us for playing them. The after game socials were a lot of fun. They provided us with good food and drinks at the socials.

ASC: What else did you do in Buenos Aires? How was the nightlife?

My favorite activity in Buenos Aires was attending the All Blacks versus the Pumas rugby game. Also, I attended a local men�s club side game at San Isidro Club. Outside of rugby, I took a river boat cruise in Tigreand went to a Tango show. I also visited some local markets and did some shopping. The night life was great. There were many different bars and clubs to choose from, even on the weeknights. I mostly went to Puerto Madero or Recoleta. The bars and clubs open and close very late. So it was a little hard for me to adjust to the late schedule.

ASC: What else did you do in Buenos Aires? How was the nightlife?

My favorite activity in Buenos Aires was attending the All Blacks versus the Pumas rugby game. Also, I attended a local men�s club side game at San Isidro Club. Outside of rugby, I took a river boat cruise in Tigreand went to a Tango show. I also visited some local markets and did some shopping. The night life was great. There were many different bars and clubs to choose from, even on the weeknights. I mostly went to Puerto Madero or Recoleta. The bars and clubs open and close very late. So it was a little hard for me to adjust to the late schedule.

ASC: Did you have group meals included in the tour? How were the restaurants / the food?

We had many group meals included and the restaurants were very good. There was a variety of food choices so we were able to accommodate everyone, even the vegetarians on the tour.

ASC: Did you have time outside the itinerary to do other things?

Yes, we had plenty of time outside the itinerary. Many of my teammates on the tour commented on how they liked the downtime. It gave us an opportunity to go shopping, do laundry, or go to a museum not on the itinerary.

ASC: Did your team become closer on tour?

Yes, we are all bonded by the amazing experience that we had on tour. I don�t think that any of us will forget Igua�Falls or seeing the All Blacks play the Pumas.

ASC: Would you recommend other teams go to Argentina?

Yes. It is a great place for both men's and women's rugby to go on tour because it is such a rugby friendly country.

ASC: Would you recommend ASC?

Absolutely, I already have!

You knew you were on tour when ... you travel 10,000 miles to play rugby!

See more pictures of the Washington Furies 2006 Argentina Rugby Tour here.

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