VICTOR ASHE PARK (WVLT) -- It's not quite football season, but over at Victor Ashe Park, more than 200 athletes were playing a game that looked a little similar.

Just make sure to lose the pads. They aren't allowed in rugby.

The high school-aged players battled in the searing summer sun Saturday in North Knoxville, playing in the round-robin Tennessee Rugby Sevens Tournament and even switching teams at times.

It was a splendid opportunity to celebrate the domestic growth of a sport which has prevailed internationally for years.