February 23 is the opening of the rugby season for Murphy's Misfits. New players and old will awake from their winter slumber and meet to play touch rugby at 1pm at the National Sports Academy.

Now in its sixth year, Murphy's Misfits has grown to become a well respected and prominent figure in the international and, increasingly, the Bulgarian communities in Sofia.

Murphy's Misfits was formed in 2002 when a small group of people decided, while drinking at JJ Murphy's, that they should play touch rugby on a regular basis. From its informal and humble beginnings, the Misfits grew very quickly. As more and more people became involved the club so it became more structured. Murphy's Misfits has a constitution, a board of directors, membership fees and a healthy schedule of touch and full contact rugby.

As the name suggests, the Misfits are made up of players from across the world. There is a range of accents within the club and as well as rugby experience. Players come from Bulgaria, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, France, Spain and other countries.

As with any organisation that has a large section of members from outside Bulgaria, the numbers actively involved fluctuates. In the past year the Misfits have seen several exciting new members join but at the same time more than a few long term players have left Bulgaria. The actual numbers may change but there is a committed core that have been part of the club since its inception. Three of the main aims of the Misfits for 2008 are to further increase playing numbers, help new members from both Bulgaria and outside learn the game, and foster closer ties with Mercury, a local Bulgarian rugby club.

Murphy's Misfits aims at providing opportunities and enjoyment for all ages and abilities. For those that wish to take part, the club organises games of 15-a-side full contact rugby throughout the season as well as the weekly games of touch rugby.

The schedule for the 2008 season is being put together and there are expected to be games with an international flavour against touring teams from the UK in addition to the annual games against Krusevacs of Serbia, Ottomans from Istanbul, and Spartans of Greece. These fixtures, combined with the traditional games against local Bulgarian opposition, promise that 2008 will be a challenging and exciting season. The Misfits also enter the Sofia 7s each year, which is a fun and fast paced tournament that attracts teams and players from across Europe.

Aside from the various forms of rugby played, the Misfits arrange and organise a wide variety of social activities including family days and charity events. The first club social event of the season is on the opening day. On February 23, in the evening after playing touch rugby, members will gather to watch France v England in The Six Nations Championship at JJ Murphy's.

Club president Murray Te Huki said that he was looking forward to the start of the new season and encouraged players of all abilities to join in. "We invite experienced players and new players to join the club where we will teach them this great game."

The Misfits are thankful to their sponsors which help make it all happen. The two primary sponsors are JJ Murphy's Pub and L.S. Property.
All members are welcome, new or old. For further information contact Murray Te Huki (club president) hukgrahl@hotmail.com or 088/ 882 85 87, Plamen Yotov (club secretary) secretary@murphysmisfits.org or visit the Murphy's Misfits website www.murphysmisfits.org