Rugby is an interesting sport because there isn't really just one type of person who plays it. Honestly, it is hard to stereotype a rugger because we all look and act differently. Off the field I don't think you could just pick a rugger out of a crowd unless they are wearing rugby attire, which they honestly probably are because rugby players have a lot of pride in their sport and we love to show it. Here are just some of the different types of ruggers I have met.
The bulldozer
Every team has one of these, and every team is afraid of this person. This person can plow through just about anyone. No matter how low you get, you will not be able to tackle them. When you do finally get this person you are so exhausted that you just have to take a second and recover. The Bulldozer is good at pushing through and dragging people across the pitch. They are known to be used when the team is close to scoring and they need one final push to get the try. These players are usually easy to spot because generally they are bigger than most of the team and they kind of have this look that scares you.
Speedy Gonzales
I hate these people because no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to catch them. These kids are the fastest on the team, and usually one of the strongest. They are a little harder to spot because they probably just look like your average person. You can identify them by seeing who on the team they are trying to get the ball out to. Generally they are wings, because they have a better chance at getting a breakaway. Good luck catching one of them if they do make a breakaway.
The delicate flower
Generally rugby players look tough and unbreakable, but there is always that one kid who looks like the wind could blow them over and they will break. You are almost afraid to tackle them because you don't want to hurt them. These kids are a lot stronger than they look and they are fast, so don't hesitate to take them down.
The injured one
These players just can't seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries. One week they might be out with a concussion and the next week they are out with a broken rib. Chances are these players try really hard to get the coach to let them play even though they are hurt because you know mama didn't raise a quitter. You hurt just looking at this injured player and wonder how they handle it. Your team probably has to spend a lot of time in an emergency room because of this player but you don't mind, because they are like family.
The one who has no idea what they are doing
These people are by far the easiest to spot because during a match because they are probably standing around looking really confused and getting yelled at for being in the wrong spot. No matter how hard you try and teach the rules to this person, they never seem to understand. You hope that by putting them in the game maybe everything will just click, but it doesn't, and they usually just run around messing everyone else up.
The badass
We all have a love/hate relationship with this player. We hate them because they are so good and make you look like crap, but we love them because they help us win. Chances are this player has been playing for a lot longer than most of the other players and try to control the whole field. These players are probably pretty scary at times and you are really just waiting for the moment that their head explodes from their huge ego.
The ghost
You rarely see this person because they rarely show up. You are actually kind of shocked when you do see them because it feels like years since you last saw them. They always seem to have something better to do then actually come to practice but they always make it to games and socials. You sometimes wonder if this player quit, but doubt it because you know they will be at the next social.
