Rugby
 

Hey everyone, I am going into my freshman year of college and am interested in joining the rugby team. The only problem is, I have never really played rugby before, only seen it. So does anyone have any words of wisdom about the game or has anyone ever played it before and can tell me how easy or difficult it is to pick up. Thanks.

It is truly one of the best things you will experience in your life! Be prepared to work hard to get into shape if necessary. Rugby is game that is much more fun to play when you're fit.

In my experience with the game (13 years), I've encountered two types of people, those who play rugby, and those who are rugby players. You have to decide which you want to be...

I'm in pretty decent shape right now, only problem is, Im basically a twig at 6' and 140 pounds. Should i try to put on more weight over the summer and is there anything else athletically i should work on.

You'll prolly play left wing, how much speed do you have?

Depends what position you play but definately bulk up, muscle is a good cushion against big hits.

AB's wingers Howlett and Rokocoko (on the left and the middle of my avatar respectively) each weigh above 90 kgs (around 200 pounds if my maths is right) and they are fast as hell (as Australia will be sure to find out this weekend :thumbsup: ).

To go with what Spartak said, definitely try to bulk up. But make sure it's muscle and not just fat. The reason is this: Imagine someone about 6'4" and 250 lbs running into your 6' 140 lb frame AT FULL SPEED. Even if your tackling technique is sound (which means low with your head BEHIND the runner), you'll still want the extra bulk. And yeah, you'll probably play wing.

Thanks for the responses guys. Im very interested in learning how to play rugby and Ill try to put on 20 lbs. or so over the summer (hopefully). It seems like an awesome game and im looking forward to trying it out.

Also if you can, try to check out the New Zealand All Blacks versus Australia Tri-Nations match this weekend. Not to mention the Springboks vs Pacific Islanders, and the USA Eagles vs France.

You will definitely learn some things and probably have some questions as well. If so, post them here and I'll answer them.

anywhere in particular i can find this match?? Im from the US and only have basic cable, so I probably wont be able to catch it on tv.

fox sports world usually has most of the international test matches

but if you're really into starting rugby, the best advice i can give you is to find a local club and talk to them.

and if you're ever in toronto from may-september, my club (The Toronto Scottish www.torontoscottish.com) and I would be glad to teach ya a few of the finer pints of rugby.

yes, the spelling is intentional ;)

haha. Thanks Paj for the invite and advice, but im going to be playing in college on a club rugby team, so i figure they will provide the training.

Getting in the gym is a good start. Sounds like you need to start eating more. A little fat is not a bad thing, especially over a long season. It can really help your body with the constant pummeling you will take.

Its an unfortunate situation, but as a previous poster said you will likely end up on a wing. Go get your self a rugby ball now and start working on your passing and catching. If you can't do these things it doesn't matter how fast or how big you are.

Truly, the safest place for new players (especially one of your height) is in the second row. On a college level team (especially if your college has football) you probably won't be the smallest guy on the pitch. So, its possible that you could play there.

Anyways, get ready for some great days. There is nothing like Saturday rugby, followed by Saturday night rugby parties.

One note of warning:
Watch out for the female rugby players....all the rumours you've heard are true.