Hundreds of rugby players set to converge on Missoula for Maggotfest

Story by Pete Delmoe | APRIL 27, 2007
Montana Kaimin

This weekend will be the 31st annual Maggotfest and the rugby showcase will feature nearly 40 men’s and women’s teams in one of the countries largest rugby tournaments. But anyone who knows anything about Maggotfest knows that rugby is more of an afterthought than anything.

The main focus will be on getting together with friends and drinking. Most of the bars downtown will look like a scene from the movie “Animal House” with a bunch of half-naked men wrestling around and chugging beer like frat boys.

Maggots’ head coach and captain Bill “The Bull” Merrill said that Maggotfest is more of a social event and the drinking just kind of goes with it.

“Rugby is an Old World sport,” said Merrill, who’s been a Maggot for seven seasons. “It was founded on camaraderie and social values, getting together and drinking a beer after the game.”

Maggotfest, held at Fort Missoula, began Thursday and ends on Sunday.

For the Maggots it is a relaxing weekend before next weekend when they host the Montana Rugby Union Cup Tournament.

“This weekend is more of a fun, hanging out with your buddies and have a few beers deal,” said Blake Meyers, the Maggots’ vice-captain. “Next weekend is where we really get down to business.”

Maggotfest brings in teams from all over the country and even some from outside the U.S. and even the continent. Some teams come down from Canada and a few years ago a team came from England.

Maggotfest isn’t just for the rugby players though, as it’s become a big part of Missoula and it is almost like a holiday. It is sort of like the Testicle Festival out at Rock Creek.

“It’s a big shot in the arm for the community,” Merrill said. “It’s kind of become a cornerstone of the community.”

Merrill estimated Maggotfest will bring in about $350,000-$450,000 to local businesses as well as about 700 or so rugby players.

For the Maggots this is without question their biggest time of the year. With Maggotfest and next week’s tournament, this is what it’s all about.

“It’s a great time to be a Maggot,” Meyers said.