I first started learning about rugby my freshman year at university
when I decided to join the schools women’s rugby team. Now I realize not
everyone may want to learn about this strange sport by spending six
hours a week getting it literally ground into you, so here are my
suggestions:
1. Find a way to actually watch rugby
Rugby is not the most popular sport in the US so it can be difficult to find a way to see it, whether live or on television. Unbeknownst to many, there are rugby teams at a considerable number of universities across the country. They don’t get as much press and are often more student run but they are there working every week just as hard as any other sports team. Some high schools even have rugby teams and many medium to large cities have recreational rugby teams that compete against neighboring cities. I can almost guarantee you that there is a rugby team somewhere near you if you look for it.
If you searched and still have no good way of watching rugby live then try the television. In the past American networks have been loathe to air rugby due the difficulty in having commercial breaks. Luckily with the growing popularity of the sport, that is beginning to change. In September and October 2011 Universal Sports and NBC Sports aired the Rugby World Cup live; this was the first time the world cup had been aired for an American network TV audience.
2. Find a knowledgeable buddy
I know this sounds difficult when you are just entering the rugby world but somewhere in your life is a rugby fan, I swear. Or, show up to the rugby pitch and find a kind soul to explain what’s going on. Rugby rules can be confusing – the rules change about kicks depending on what side of the 22-meter line (yes, 22) the team is on, if there is a foul or a smaller rule is broken instead of stopping the play one team is given an advantage; strange small rules such as this abound and having someone to explain them can be incredibly helpful.
3. Drink beer
Beer is the lifeblood of rugby. The team I played for was sponsored during its inception in the 70′s by a local bar, the Flames Bar and they are still called the Flames today. Other teams have similar stories. Most rugby teams and rugby events around the world have major beer sponsors and traditions surrounding beer. Bring a brew to the game to get the full experience and share it with your new found rugby friends!
1. Find a way to actually watch rugby
Rugby is not the most popular sport in the US so it can be difficult to find a way to see it, whether live or on television. Unbeknownst to many, there are rugby teams at a considerable number of universities across the country. They don’t get as much press and are often more student run but they are there working every week just as hard as any other sports team. Some high schools even have rugby teams and many medium to large cities have recreational rugby teams that compete against neighboring cities. I can almost guarantee you that there is a rugby team somewhere near you if you look for it.
If you searched and still have no good way of watching rugby live then try the television. In the past American networks have been loathe to air rugby due the difficulty in having commercial breaks. Luckily with the growing popularity of the sport, that is beginning to change. In September and October 2011 Universal Sports and NBC Sports aired the Rugby World Cup live; this was the first time the world cup had been aired for an American network TV audience.
2. Find a knowledgeable buddy
I know this sounds difficult when you are just entering the rugby world but somewhere in your life is a rugby fan, I swear. Or, show up to the rugby pitch and find a kind soul to explain what’s going on. Rugby rules can be confusing – the rules change about kicks depending on what side of the 22-meter line (yes, 22) the team is on, if there is a foul or a smaller rule is broken instead of stopping the play one team is given an advantage; strange small rules such as this abound and having someone to explain them can be incredibly helpful.
3. Drink beer
Beer is the lifeblood of rugby. The team I played for was sponsored during its inception in the 70′s by a local bar, the Flames Bar and they are still called the Flames today. Other teams have similar stories. Most rugby teams and rugby events around the world have major beer sponsors and traditions surrounding beer. Bring a brew to the game to get the full experience and share it with your new found rugby friends!
