Utah teen told he can’t play rugby because he wears prosthetic limbs
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Herriman, UT (KUTV) — A Herriman teenager was told, he will not be able to participate in rugby games because of his disability. Nick Saunders was born with a rare condition that eventually lead to the amputation of his feet.
Despite the condition, Saunders, 17, has always been extremely active. From skateboarding to rock climbing he says he has always been told by his parents that his disability should not get in his way.
“My parents have told me I can put my mind to what I want to do,” said Saunders.
He says he was living by the same ideas when a friend recently took him to a rugby match.
“Loved it.”
He was hooked from the beginning, and instantly, went to talk to coaches about joining.
“I went and I talked to the coach there and I said ‘hey I want to be involved.’ ” said Saunders.
His coaches learned quickly enough that according to the national rules of the organization, USA Rugby, prosthetic limbs would not be allowed.
“Its frustrating for him, which kind of breaks my heart as well,” said Nicks mother Heidi Saunders. “It is hard for him to be shut down and especially hard for us to see him shut down.”
The rules in USA Rugby’s rule book is very clear, prosthetics, knee braces, wrist guards, and other hard items are not allowed in rubgy, The president of the Utah Chapter of USA Rugby Owen Power says there is a concern about concussions.
“The other player is at risk if they were to tackle the other player with some sort of artificial device on them,” said Power.
Nick may not be able to take the pitch anytime soon, but the coach of the Herriman team does allow him to participate in non-contact practice sessions. Nick’s family says even if he never plays in a match, his is their inspiration.
“I’m impressed with him. He’s inspiring. No matter where he goes, he inspires everyone who looks at him,” says Nick’s dad, Tim.