Rugby is a sport most Americans have no real idea of, other than it’s similar to American football without pads. Basically, it’s a sport you play if you want to be covered in bruises and worry about decapitation during a game.

Here is a quick run down of rugby for those who aren’t familiar. Rugby teams consist of 15 players-- eight of whom are considered forwards. That is my position. Then there is a scrum half, this is similar to the quarterback in American football. The fast players are the backs. In rugby, if you’re tackled, your teammates ruck over you, which literally involves stepping over you and the ball and pushing against the other team trying to do the same thing.

Example of a ruck

When the ball is secured, the scrum half grabs it and throws it to the next player. You can only throw the ball backwards, otherwise it results in a scrum. A scrum is where the forwards of both teams basically get into a giant huddle and push. The scrum half throws the ball down the middle of the tunnel and the hookers of both teams try to kick the ball back to their team.

Example of a scrum

And when the ball goes out of bounds, there is a line out where both teams lift their players in the air and someone throws the ball in between them and they fight for the ball in the air.

Whitewater vs. Loyola line out

To score, you take the ball past the try line and touch it to the ground.

Also, our only padding is a mouth guard.

So people ask: why would anyone, let alone a girl, play rugby?

Pictured above, my family and girlfriend after watching a rugby match and questioning my life decisions.

Rugby is a sport of sheer endurance. A sport where girls like me, who wouldn’t exactly be described as “athletic,” get a chance to be an MVP. Our muscle, giant thighs, and perseverance pushes our team, supports our backs, and holds up our scrums. This is the first sport where I am not picked last. My position on the team is the prop, which is usually reserved for the stoutest player on the team. Our scrums and our hooker relies on my leg and core muscle to hold them up. So what if we’re the slowest girl on the field? When you can tackle, ruck, and scrum, nobody cares how fast you are. That’s what the backs are for.

Prop running

Alia Vang, back, running

The camaraderie of rugby is something you’ll find nowhere else. Not just on your team, which I’ll talk about later. But between the teams. The same girl you were trying to tackle because she gave you a dirty look during the game will bring you a drink at the aftermatch. After a game, it is normal for the hosting team to invite the visiting team somewhere for food and drinks after the game. Here we eat, drink, and sing rugby songs. Yes, that’s right, we have songs. Does your sport have songs? Didn’t think so.

Aftermatch fun

And my teammates, it’s like having 14 best friends built into your schedule. We support each other on and off the field. And we know how to have a good time. So if you ever need someone to bring to a party, bring a rugby girl.

Rugby banquet

Rugby homecoming

Rugby is a special sport. It’s not soccer, it’s not ballet, it’s not girly, and it sure as hell not pretty. But rugby is my sport and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Pre-game chant