Getting into the game.

Ok so im 20 years old and love rugby but have never played with a club rugby (only at school and messing about with mates) but i used to gaelic football so im a used to a bit of contact sport. The thing is i was thinking about joining my local club which is really well run and organised . But the only thing holding me back is am I too to start playing competitively? Any thoughts?

I used to play rugby with an american chap who had moved to the UK post uni and also had a background playing football and wrestling.

Picked the game up within months and was a natural... the guy could have gone pro IMO had he played from a young age. He just enjoyed smashing people. Loved the whole camaraderie around the sport too which is pretty unique.

Their are many chaps who picked the game up late. Simon Shaw is one of them and he went on to play all the way to the top.

If you like contact sports (as in real contact sports) then you'll love it. I'd say go for it.

Doesn't matter what size you are or what shape you are whether you're 6'4 and athletic or 5'6 and let yourself go a bit.... rugby and especially club rugby will have a position for all sizes... thats why its appeal can reach so many levels.

ndog93 wrote:Ok so im 20 years old and love rugby but have never played with a club rugby (only at school and messing about with mates) but i used to gaelic football so im a used to a bit of contact sport. The thing is i was thinking about joining my local club which is really well run and organised . But the only thing holding me back is am I too to start playing competitively? Any thoughts?

Not meaning to be funny but, what is it you think you might be too....to play?

Trying to guess, old, late, small...

Whichever one it is I would doubt it would prevent you from playing.

Get involved now so you are there for preseason and have a chance to show your fitness etc.

I can understand that concern. I have a lot of pals who never played rugby in their youth or teens. They are now in their mid 20s having been bitten by the rugby bug in last few years but have doubts about going to play it.

I know some are worried they wouldn't be suited to any one particular position, that they might struggle to get to grips with the game or that they might not have the toughness borne from the years of playing to withstand the physical nature.

I tell them to just go out and enjoy it - some have and others remain longing observers.