Who
plays rugby and is it as rough as it seems?
These
are great questions which we are frequently asked. How does
Stonehill
College
have such a successful, nationally recognized men’s and women’s rugby
program when you probably don’t know much about the sport?
- Anyone
can play rugby. Its European roots can be found in soccer, football, track
and other popular sports.
- Rugby
has transferable skills. If you have played a competitive sport in the past,
you might be an excellent rugby player. Some, but not all of these skills
are: agility (basketball, soccer and football) speed and quickness
(track, football, basketball, volleyball), hand eye coordination
(lacrosse, golf, basketball, baseball / softball / field hockey), foot
skills (soccer, football) anaerobic endurance (lacrosse, track
and x country, soccer, field hockey), strength and power (football,
weight training).
- Not
all of our players have all these athletic abilities, but they all have one
or two. Like most sports, rugby has positions which allow the athlete to
highlight their specific athletic skills.
- Virtually
none of Stonehill Colleges 50 – 60 men’s and women’s rugby players
have ever seen, let alone played the sport before coming to campus.
- The
idea that rugby is a “vicious” or overly rough sport is a myth. Tackling
in rugby is only allowed by wrapping your arms around the opponent (no
diving or propelling of the body) and blocking is not allowed.
- Of
course rugby players get injured; however there are many sports with
much higher injury rates. While this is a difficult statistic to measure, at
least one study showed that rugby isn’t even in the top 30. (National
Injury Clearing house; Consumer Products Safety Commission)
- Stonehill
students have a great experience as members of our rugby teams. We would
love you to join us in our tradition of excellence, camaraderie and fun.