RUGBY UNION
FOR BEGINNERS
MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO MORE RESOURCES - BUT HERE'S SOME INFO TO GET YOU STARTED
The benefits to you
Playing rugby isn’t just about running around a field. It’s a full-bodied, mind-engaging activity that brings a multitude of physical and mental benefits.
| Physical Perks: | |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Fitness | Think of rugby as a heart-thumping, blood-pumping workout that improves your overall cardiovascular health. |
| Muscular Strength | The regular training and the game itself help build muscle and enhance body strength. |
| Flexibility and Agility | The dynamic movements required in rugby are great for boosting your flexibility and agility. |
| Mental Gains: | |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | Rugby fosters a sense of camaraderie like no other. It helps you form bonds and enhances your teamwork skills. |
| Discipline | It takes discipline to master the sport and stick to regular training, thus improving your overall focus and dedication. |
| Confidence | From mastering a tricky move to scoring a try, every step you take on the pitch boosts your confidence. |
Gearing Up
Before you hit the field, you’ll need some essential gear. Here’s the good news – to start with, you don’t need a fancy kit. A comfortable tee-shirt and sports shorts will do just fine. However, as you dive deeper, you’ll need to invest in some additional items:
Rugby Boots: Unlike regular trainers, rugby boots are specifically designed to provide better traction on the pitch. But wait, there’s more to it! You’ll find boots with studs and those with plastic moulds. Studded boots are usually made of metal and provide excellent grip, especially on wet, muddy fields. On the other hand, boots with plastic moulds are lighter and work well on harder surfaces.
Mouth Guard: We all love a beautiful smile, don’t we? A good mouth guard is essential to protect your teeth during the game.
Head Guard: Though not compulsory, a head guard can provide that extra level of protection, especially if you’re playing in the forward positions.
Spartans Kit: Once you’ve set up your DD with the club, you’ll be eligible to order official club kit. We take orders a couple of times a season, online via our kit shop. Don’t forget to buy your black rugby shorts and purple socks.
- Water Bottle: Since Covid, the use of shared water bottles has waned alot. They’re still used during matches but you’ll need to bring your own to training sessions.
Playing on Grass
We play the majority of our matches and train on grass. There’s something refreshing about playing on a natural grass pitch, like the one at our home ground of Sale Sports Club.
Not only does it soften the blow during tackles or falls, but it also gives you a close-to-nature experience that artificial turfs simply can’t match.
Most matches, you will get muddy, so be prepared to shower after a match if you’d rather go home clean. Players tend to go home straight after practice without changing but if you’re hanging around the clubhouse for post-training drinks, you’ll have to change (at least) before visiting the bar area.
The Basics of Rugby Union
Let’s get down to brass tacks – the rules of the game. Rugby can seem a tad complex at first, but fret not, we’ll break it down:
Objective: The goal is straightforward – score more points than the other team. This can be achieved through tries, conversions, penalty kicks, or drop goals.
The Pitch: The rugby field is split into two halves, with each team defending one side.
Kick-off: Each game starts with a kick-off from the middle of the field.
Passing: This isn’t American football! In rugby, you can only pass the ball backwards or sideways – never forward.
Scoring: A try (worth 5 points) is scored by grounding the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area. This can be followed by a conversion kick (worth 2 points) through the goalposts. A team awarded a penalty who gets the ball between the posts can also be awarded 3 points.
Starting Your Rugby Journey
Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics, it’s time to get your boots dirty. Here are a few tips to help you start:
Take it Slow: It’s okay to be a slow burner. It takes time to build skills, so don’t rush it.
Teamwork is Everything: Rugby is a team sport. Good communication and cooperation with your teammates are paramount.
Don’t Skip the Warm-Up: A good warm-up routine is vital to prevent injuries and get your body ready for the game.
- Talk to your coach and ask questions. No question is a stupid question – but do listen to the answer :). We’re here to help you develop and learn.
More Than Just a Game
Rugby isn’t just about the points scored or matches won. It’s about the thrill of the chase, the sweet taste of victory, the lessons learned from defeat, the friendships formed, and the person you become along the way.
As a Manchester Village Spartan, you’ll be part of a club that’s more than just a rugby team or five – it’s a family.
So, lace up your boots, step onto the pitch, and let’s create some unforgettable rugby memories. Let the learning begin.
