“I often say rugby is like life. You can have the ball in your hand and be running down the field feeling unstoppable. Then someone tackles you and you hit the deck and you’re vulnerable; you’re lying there, exposed. Suddenly, your teammates are there, not just over the ball, but over you, protecting you, They’re prepared to put their bodies on the line for you. That’s what happens in life: You fall over and your mates come to your aid.”
The ball came spinning into my hands as I began to scan the field, my head shot up I knew exactly where to go. A girl charged my left side, but my footwork caught her off guard, another girl dove for my feet, but I was off the ground before she could catch me, the last girl was behind me and as she reached for me, I was in the try zone with the ball on the ground. Score.
My adrenaline was through the roof, but I wasn’t amused, I wanted more. The rain was dripping from my forehead, the energy, kick-started through me. I found a new passion.
Rugby is not a sport for all people. Some just can’t handle the physical aspect of it, others the mental. But it’s a sport that builds character. You need to be in control of your body at all times, knowing that the next play will most likely result in you hitting another player. But I learned that Rugby is a sport built off respect.
Becoming a rugby player isn’t easy, you need to show your dedication and passion at all times. It’s a sport that demands attention, your willingness to learn and grow indiviually and as a team.
My team has given me the confidence I lacked in myself, constantly reminding me just how proud they are. They are always there to pull me back to my feet and get me ready for the next play.
Rugby is a sport made up of a bunch of savages, who happen to form a group of the most amazing people you will ever meet.
"This is the law of the jungle, this is the land of the pride.
Those who obey will win, those who don't must die.
This is our day today, this is the day of the pride.
This is our day today, this is the day they die.
Who are we? SC!!"