Rugby is not a sport for babies. You run, tackle, scrum and maul while having to fight off the other team, protect your fellow teammates and score a try all at the same time. While some might think that it's too scary or they'll get hurt, I say to those people, you're fiiiine. There definitely are dangers to the game, but the game itself is thrilling and beautiful. Working with a team, battling for a win and bonding with your teammates is what makes rugby, rugby. Plus, you get into amazing shape while have a good time. But most importantly, rugby teaches you crucial life lessons, and even though I haven't been playing very long, I've already started to learn them. Here are some things that rugby teaches you:
1. How to be a boss
Okay, you got to have some serious confidence to go out onto a field in some short-shorts and play like a beast. Rugby gives you an avenue to build up your self-confidence and show others what you can do on the field. Having that confidence boost on the field gives you that extra edge off the field. If it weren't for rugby, I wouldn't be nearly as flawless as I am.
2. Dedication
This is a huge one. If you aren't actively working to make yourself better and learn the game, you aren't helping anyone. When I started playing, I had no clue what anything was. No concept of the rules, positions or anything. You need to have dedication to take the time outside of practice to learn all that you can about the game and study different positions. If you aren't dedicated in life, it's going to be a rough time. Develop the habit now of being a quality person who is committed and invested in what they are doing, rugby helps give you that if you take it and run.
3. How to form bonds with people
If you play rugby, you are close with your teammates. This is a sport where you literally bind yourself to your teammates in a game. Rugby teaches you how to connect with people. After joining my team, I felt the bond everyone had with each other and they gladly accepted me into that. You learn how to find common ground with people and develop a strong relationship, and that is a great skill to have in your life.
4. Perseverance
When you're in the last 10 minutes and you're down by a try, you push through the pain and keep going. Perseverance is a quality that rugby teaches you well. In a game, you keep pushing and fighting until the very end, and that is the same in life. I've learned that if you just keep pressing on that you'll make it through whatever you are dealing with. It may hurt and it may take a long time, but keep going and it will be worth it.
5. How to stay positive
Whether it's at practice or warming up for a match, being positive is key! I don't know if I am alone on this, but I don't like being around people who are down about everything. Instead of focusing on you to might not want to be there or how you have aches and pains, focus on the good things and help bring the mood up. If one person on the team is in a bad mood, it affects everyone. Being positive in life helps reduce stress, increases productivity and changes your perspective on life. If rugby has taught me anything, it is to keep my head high and always look at the positives.
6. Communication
You're in the middle of a maul and you can't hear a thing, but you still know what to do; that is what communication between teammates looks like. It goes deeper than just calling for the ball, you develop a physical and visual language with your team and that is what helps you all play at your best. Not being able to communicate in a way that your teammates can understand is going to cause some real problems and that goes for any situation in your life. Get to know who you're working with and find what type of communication works best for you.
7. How to have fun
Playing rugby means that you know how to have a good time. After being beaten up, having your adrenaline pumped and pushed to your limits, rugby players like to cut loose. If you think you don't have enough adventure in your life, join a rugby team and you're sure to have enough of it to go around. I don't know what it is, but all rugby players have this in common. We love to chant, scream and cause a fuss, but all in good fun. I've learned to take some of that fun I have with my team and spread it into other areas of my life.
