Starting My Rugby Journey
Always watched rugby on TV wondering why players pile up like crazy for one ball. Decided to try it myself at local club practice last Saturday. Showed up wearing borrowed boots feeling totally clueless.
First Attempts Were Disastrous
Coach made us do “rucking” drills. Told us to tackle the guy with ball then fight for it on ground. Sounded simple enough. First try? I charged like angry bull, got low, wrapped my arms… boom! Smashed face into opponent’s shoulder pad instead of his legs. Ball carrier just walked right past me laughing.
Second attempt: Went for proper low tackle this time. Got the guy down! Felt awesome for two seconds until three massive teammates jumped on me. Couldn’t breathe under that human sandwich! Coach yelled: “Stop hugging the grass! Push THROUGH!”
The Turning Point
Finally understood I needed leverage not muscle. Watched veterans do it:
- Saw Jenny crouch like a sprinter before hitting the ruck
- Noticed Tom always kept his feet moving like climbing stairs
- Learned to bind with teammates – arms interlocked like chains
Tried copying them next drill. Focused on staying on my feet, pushed with legs not back. Holy crap! Actually moved the pile half an inch! Ball popped loose sideways – teammate snatched it.
Brutal Truth About Stealing
Coach gathered us panting messes afterwards: “Stealing isn’t robbery – it’s physics! Low beats high, teamwork beats heroes”. Realized why professionals look like they’re wrestling – they’re actually calculating angles! My big “ah-ha” moment? Getting the ball ain’t about being fastest or strongest. It’s about becoming a human bulldozer with your mates.
Ended practice with purple elbow and muddy teeth. But hey – finally stole one ball legally when their flanker lifted his head. Felt like winning lottery!