Matt began by giving some information about rugby.  There are two different types of rugby teams - 15 v 15 and 7 v 7.  The field size is almost the same size as a soccer field and there are two 40 minute halves. Rugby was considered an amateur sport until 1995.  There is a Rugby World Cup every 4 years and will be held this year in Japan.  There are 8.5 million registered rugby players in the world and is the most popular contact sport in the world.  Two years ago, the USA started Major League Rugby with 8 teams but will be expanding to 13 teams next year.  There are 2500 rugby clubs in the United States being most popular at universities.  

 

The Savannah Shamrocks has two teams - a men's 15 and a women's 15.  During the summer, they offer a 7 v 7 program.  In order to help support the club, they host a St. Patty's Day Tournament which will be held this year on March 9-10 at Daffin Park.  80 teams from around the country will come and participate.  All profits from beer sales at the tournament will be donated to the Humane Society.  They also do other philanthropic endeavors including a toy drive for children at Memorial Hospital and donations to 2nd Harvest Food Bank.  To learn more about The Savannah Shamrocks, please visit www.rugbysavannah.com

 

John spoke to the club about how he got into the brewing business.  John was kind enough to bring three different beers for the members to sample while he was talking - Rosemary Swamp IPA, The Bomb, and Dixie Kristal.  John had a thirst for knowledge about the brewing business and in the early 1990's, he started working at a small brewery where he learned a lot - both good and bad practices.  He and his wife moved to Savannah and he wanted to start his own brewpub.  He was introduced to Gene Beeco and together they opened Moon River Brewing in 1999.  

 

Brewing is a combination of science and creativity.  John found out quickly that he had an aptitude for the brewing process.  He has a fire for what he does which allows him to stay excited.  The brewing industry is known for its friendliness among brewers.  John met many people by serving on the Board of the Brewing Association.  He concluded by saying he was told "no"  a lot  However, he persevered and in the end, he did it his way and has a very successful business.