Thinking of taking up rugby
Discussion
Well, I've always been an armchair fan of rugby, will watch the 6 nations, autumn internationals and RWC with interest, and having lived in Leicester for the first 19 years of my life, its always good to hear the Tigers are doing well.
But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
dpbird90 said:
Well, I've always been an armchair fan of rugby, will watch the 6 nations, autumn internationals and RWC with interest, and having lived in Leicester for the first 19 years of my life, its always good to hear the Tigers are doing well.
But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
Your university probably has teams you can join - not just proper league/inter university clubs but also more social affairs (much like five-a-side football) for beginners. Either way the Sport people at the Union can probably put you in touch with team in the university or have contacts with local teams.But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
IMO I would start getting fit before you join a club, you want to be able to keep up with everyone else during training and especially when you start playing in matches.
What position would you like to play? Do you have good hand-eye coordination, or would you prefer to get stuck into the scrums/rucks?
What position would you like to play? Do you have good hand-eye coordination, or would you prefer to get stuck into the scrums/rucks?
ninja-lewis said:
dpbird90 said:
Well, I've always been an armchair fan of rugby, will watch the 6 nations, autumn internationals and RWC with interest, and having lived in Leicester for the first 19 years of my life, its always good to hear the Tigers are doing well.
But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
Your university probably has teams you can join - not just proper league/inter university clubs but also more social affairs (much like five-a-side football) for beginners. Either way the Sport people at the Union can probably put you in touch with team in the university or have contacts with local teams.But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
Elskeggso said:
IMO I would start getting fit before you join a club, you want to be able to keep up with everyone else during training and especially when you start playing in matches.
What position would you like to play? Do you have good hand-eye coordination, or would you prefer to get stuck into the scrums/rucks?
Yeah thats a good point, I should get down to the gym but money's a bit tight at the moment, I'll sort something out though. I think I'd be best off as a prop, its a position I've played before (albeit several years ago) and I'm the right sort of build for it.What position would you like to play? Do you have good hand-eye coordination, or would you prefer to get stuck into the scrums/rucks?
dpbird90 said:
Elskeggso said:
IMO I would start getting fit before you join a club, you want to be able to keep up with everyone else during training and especially when you start playing in matches.
What position would you like to play? Do you have good hand-eye coordination, or would you prefer to get stuck into the scrums/rucks?
Yeah thats a good point, I should get down to the gym but money's a bit tight at the moment, I'll sort something out though. I think I'd be best off as a prop, its a position I've played before (albeit several years ago) and I'm the right sort of build for it.What position would you like to play? Do you have good hand-eye coordination, or would you prefer to get stuck into the scrums/rucks?
FWIW my club sent an email round last week to inform us that pre-season training starts 1st July 
Be an idea to seek out your local club and find out when they start their training. Be a good way to a) get fitter and b) meet the lads for some non contact stuff (and a beer in the bar afterwards) before the season starts.
Be an idea to seek out your local club and find out when they start their training. Be a good way to a) get fitter and b) meet the lads for some non contact stuff (and a beer in the bar afterwards) before the season starts.
dpbird90 said:
Well, I've always been an armchair fan of rugby, will watch the 6 nations, autumn internationals and RWC with interest, and having lived in Leicester for the first 19 years of my life, its always good to hear the Tigers are doing well.
But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
I would probably ignore most of the above if I were you!But looking back (kind of inspired by the letters to yourself before the 1st day of high school thread) I wish I'd tried harder at it at school. I tried out in year 7 or 8 for the school team as a tighthead prop, was doing not too shabbily, but someone much better came along and was chosen for the team (he later disappeared off to a private school to play rugby after receiving a scholarship, to be fair he was infinitely better than me), after that I just seemed to stop going. I wasn't disheartened too much, I suppose I just felt that there was something else I could do better, that and it was around the time we started pursuing girls.
But now I'm 20 and just finished first year of uni, I've put on a bit too much weight and I don't really exercise much, my only real hobbies are motoring related. I want to do a sport, someone suggested football, but its not my cup of tea, I've always preferred rugby. But how would I get into it, when most people my age who play are a lot more experienced? I would effectively be starting off as a beginner again, so how does one go about this when they're a bit older?
I played at Uni and as had a few games at school, was a bit unsure what to do but knew the basics and believed I could do it - how hard can it be really?
Well, 4th Team wing as the lower teams always needed players! Of any sort, shape, fitness or skill level. Few games later, stopped chucking up and managed to slowly rise up the team ladder.
Post Uni, joined my local rugby club (junior club) and they were always crying out for anyone who could even make a stab at catching a ball, let alone running with it. Few games later, starting for the 2's. following season played 1sts and never looked back. Took a while to break through but that was because I was new!
My local club and Uni (I am told) always struggle with Props! Props are the lifeblood of junior rugby as there are so few. ANyone with any experience will walk into a team if they have ever propped. Just dont go in thinking you are the next Dan Cole or JL - which you obviously sound like you dont and wouldnt!
Use the rugby to get fit. Join pre season and you will hold your own at the lower team level from game 1! That I guarantee you.... even if you dont, dont worry - they will still pick you as long as you can down a pint in less than 2 mins. Enjoy it and you will make friends for life!
Just do it as Nike would say! You will never ever regret it I guarantee.
and Good Luckjoin your uni side,
get fit before you do, and get your drinking upto scratch and youll fit right in,
i've played school, club, uni, club, uni and now club again and there is always a shortage or 16stone+ props.. if you fit that category you'll have a great time.
overall rugby is about having fun, its a great sport and youll make friends for life.
get fit before you do, and get your drinking upto scratch and youll fit right in,
i've played school, club, uni, club, uni and now club again and there is always a shortage or 16stone+ props.. if you fit that category you'll have a great time.
overall rugby is about having fun, its a great sport and youll make friends for life.
Being a Leciester lad I’m assuming you’re talking about union? Use the summer to get yourself fit and research local teams or just aim for the uni team. If the season were still on I’d be tempted to go and join them for training. The role of the prop is changing if you’re big and can get fitness and a bit of pace it will make you stand out from the crowd a bit more.
You don’t give an indication of your height, build etc but there may be other positions in the pack for you, would rule chance of being a hooker out until you had some practise in (line out throws etc a bit difficult for a novice).
You don’t give an indication of your height, build etc but there may be other positions in the pack for you, would rule chance of being a hooker out until you had some practise in (line out throws etc a bit difficult for a novice).
andrew311 said:
Being a Leciester lad I’m assuming you’re talking about union? Use the summer to get yourself fit and research local teams or just aim for the uni team. If the season were still on I’d be tempted to go and join them for training. The role of the prop is changing if you’re big and can get fitness and a bit of pace it will make you stand out from the crowd a bit more.
You don’t give an indication of your height, build etc but there may be other positions in the pack for you, would rule chance of being a hooker out until you had some practise in (line out throws etc a bit difficult for a novice).
Yep definitely Union, not a fan of rugby league at all. I'm looking into my uni team might pop along. You don’t give an indication of your height, build etc but there may be other positions in the pack for you, would rule chance of being a hooker out until you had some practise in (line out throws etc a bit difficult for a novice).
I'm about 6ft and 16st if that helps, hadn't thought of being a hooker but might consider it now.
dpbird90 said:
andrew311 said:
Being a Leciester lad I’m assuming you’re talking about union? Use the summer to get yourself fit and research local teams or just aim for the uni team. If the season were still on I’d be tempted to go and join them for training. The role of the prop is changing if you’re big and can get fitness and a bit of pace it will make you stand out from the crowd a bit more.
You don’t give an indication of your height, build etc but there may be other positions in the pack for you, would rule chance of being a hooker out until you had some practise in (line out throws etc a bit difficult for a novice).
Yep definitely Union, not a fan of rugby league at all. I'm looking into my uni team might pop along. You don’t give an indication of your height, build etc but there may be other positions in the pack for you, would rule chance of being a hooker out until you had some practise in (line out throws etc a bit difficult for a novice).
I'm about 6ft and 16st if that helps, hadn't thought of being a hooker but might consider it now.
In any case in addition to building up your fitness you want to work on your upper body and leg strength. You be awesome over night having played university teams certainly their first teams are generally of a high well drilled standard-don’t let this put you off though, at 16st I’d look to keep the weight offsetting weight losss through exercise against weight gain from muscle.
dpbird90 said:
I'm about 6ft and 16st if that helps, hadn't thought of being a hooker but might consider it now.
At 6ft maybe you should look at second row (although your props would hate having to lift that weight, however we do have one second row in the Vets side I play in who must be touching 18st!) or possibly even No8? TBH, at that height/weight you'd be welcomed anywhere in the pack
FUBAR said:
At 6ft maybe you should look at second row
I'm 6'5 and ~18 stone and although I used to play second row, I never felt large enough to stick it out. There's something about standing next to 6'10 guys in line outs that's just not fair! Not sure 6' would be enough even in the quietest of clubs, I would think it's an ideal prop height though.FUBAR said:
dpbird90 said:
I'm about 6ft and 16st if that helps, hadn't thought of being a hooker but might consider it now.
At 6ft maybe you should look at second row (although your props would hate having to lift that weight, however we do have one second row in the Vets side I play in who must be touching 18st!) or possibly even No8? TBH, at that height/weight you'd be welcomed anywhere in the pack
I’d say to have a look at the flanker role as they probably need a little less technicality than the front 3. Although weight is a decent enough indicator it isn’t the be all and end all some people I play with are well under 15st can go over the top of 6 odd foot 20 stone locks, just have freakish strength for their size or are gym bunnies.
Don’t let any of this put you off, none of us are going to get any England call up anytime soon-although on Saturday swear I could have done better ;-) Just go out an enjoy it.
2nd/3rd local club level 6' second row would be acceptable. I agree that at uni level/1st team then it would be too short (and the comment at being too light was tongue in cheek)
Let's remember the OP is wanting to get back into rugby so local club or uni 2nds/3rds should be his first goal not jumping straight into his uni's or nearest National level club's first team. When In played in London 2 then the locks were monters, but now in Sussex 2/Vets the players have shrunk
Question really is does he want to play good social/local rugby or aim higher? (youth still being on his side)
Let's remember the OP is wanting to get back into rugby so local club or uni 2nds/3rds should be his first goal not jumping straight into his uni's or nearest National level club's first team. When In played in London 2 then the locks were monters, but now in Sussex 2/Vets the players have shrunk
Question really is does he want to play good social/local rugby or aim higher? (youth still being on his side)
FUBAR said:
Let's remember the OP is wanting to get back into rugby so local club or uni 2nds/3rds should be his first goal not jumping straight into his uni's or nearest National level club's first team.
Afraid to say I wasn't talking about 1st XVs. Maybe they build them large in Wiltshire, but 6' wouldn't have made second row in the U16 thirds when I was playing for Salisbury.TuxRacer said:
FUBAR said:
Let's remember the OP is wanting to get back into rugby so local club or uni 2nds/3rds should be his first goal not jumping straight into his uni's or nearest National level club's first team.
Afraid to say I wasn't talking about 1st XVs. Maybe they build them large in Wiltshire, but 6' wouldn't have made second row in the U16 thirds when I was playing for Salisbury.RE: my post about intramural teams at Uni (as opposed to the main Uni XVs). If you're looking for more social than serious rugby and are a member of a largish society (e.g. one linked to a particular department) you could try approaching others with a view to starting a society team if they don't already have one - quite a few departments here have a team in the university's leagues. Would also look good on your CV if you were involved in getting it off the ground and then running it.
OP id look to bulk up a little with muscle and go for prop, hit the gym hard, get your fitness sorted and you will be a very handy player to have.
as regards to being a twix, no chance, your too short.
flanker the least technical? your having a laugh arnt you?
though i play 7, im 5 11 and 15stone.
as regards to being a twix, no chance, your too short.
flanker the least technical? your having a laugh arnt you?
though i play 7, im 5 11 and 15stone.
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