What's your rugby experience?

Born in farming country in the Middle West of the US. No rugby in sight. Through an odd set of circumstances, I went to boarding school in grade 9, and because of some ex-pat (mostly Poms) instructors, we had a rugby club - that started in 1963. Played in school and Uni, always in front row and usually hooking. Missed a few years due to an injury (non-rugby; not a lot of time for rugby just then, actually) in military service, but started back when I returned to graduate studies in Canada and UK, then a post-graduate research associateship in Nancy and Grenoble, France. Played also for short while (on extended work assignments) with clubs in Chile and the North Island. Last game was run-on hooker for a sr club B-side, the week after I turned 45 in Denver, Colorado; I played for the Denver Highlanders RFC from 1984 to 1995. Then took up refereeing and coaching at high-school level. Now restricted to Club (and some Local Area Union) administration.

Had fun everywhere I went, and stay in touch (and argue rugby) with old mates on five continents. I'll be 62 in a few weeks, and it's been 16 years since I last played. But I keep my last pair of boots oiled, and I still fit in the same shorts I played in from the 80's to the end. Just in case, you know, somebody needs a front-row player in his 60s.

In rugby, Your pal,

Mark L

Born and raised in southern Ontario. In high school and college I played the usual fivesome of Canadian sports -- ice hockey, gridiron, basketball, baseball and soccer. Fiddled with a rugby ball a little bit in high school, but never really got interested in the sport. It was kindergarden rugby -- I know now a weird mix of Union and League meant as an introduction. Rugby was definitely well under the radar in 1970s Ontario.

25 years later I'm channel hopping, and come across the AllBlacks doing a haka. I thought it was interesting, and ended up watching the game. I found the mix of chaos -- I didn't understand rucking or the kicking game at all -- and order (the offside law was obvious because there was no blocking) fascinating. So I educated myself, and really got interested in it. This planted the idea of starting a team at the high school where I taught. Not reallistic, because how does one coach a sport one has never played?

But the idea stuck in my head, so in my mid-40s I screwed up my courage, got fit, and turned out one spring for the local club. I did note some jaws dropping at the time, but I stuck with it and once the guys understood I was serious they were happy to help me learn. I ended up playing flanker on the men's third side, and later 2nd row once I had learned to scrum and jump. I've been doing it for a couple years now, and stick with the playing aspect because I love it, and it motivates me to stay fit in the offseason. Oh -- and I (obviously) am now working to build the sport in my base school and the community at large. One of the reasons I hang around this forum is to try to educate North Americans about this great sport.

We are having success, as (unlike when I was a student) most Canadian high schools and many American now have rugby as an option. The biggest issue is convincing parents that the sport in not so inherently dangerous -- certainly no more so than the gridiron (or ice hockey) which are both so very, very popular around here.

lets see

Born in Zimbabwe, started playing ruggers when i was 5, played all through school and then made the Zimbabwe under 13 team. Moved to South Africa then played provincially for 3 years. Moved to Kenya where i started playing for my 1st team in grade 10 and then made the Kenya 7s development squad. came back to South Africa and played club rugby for a year and now i'm heading to the states on a rugby scholarship. Played fly-half all through primary school and most of high school and the last two years I've been playing at fullback.

this is the most amazing game, have been able to travel the world meet great groups of guys and to do what i love. I don't think there is any greater feeling than being on the pitch with a teammates that are there to achieve the same goal as you! I wouldn't trade it for the world. looking to go as far as the game will take me!

rugby is life!

Brought up in Sydney. Played rugby in the Northern Suburbs juniors and in primary school, mainly in the wing. Played in high school, third fifteen (the go to player when someone on the opposiition was playing well), mainly breakaway. Played Subbies in Sydney wing and breakaway. First grade in country club rugby winger, breakaway and fullback until the opposition worked out I couldn't kick to save myself. Loved the aggressive side of it. My son couldn't get over how hard a game it was after watching some of the games on tv from the 60s and 70s. As the young girl said, thgosze were the days.Made some great friends over the years and met and played with and against some great players (including internationals). It is a wonderful game and is truly the game they play in Heaven.

Born in London to Irish parents. Grown up supporting Ireland, started off as a reason to annoy and give stick to classmates when we won (Which wasnt wise given i did this through the 90's when we were a one man team. 'Simon Geoghehan and 14 other blokes'. Our national team looked like it was going down the drain, then a vision came to me and other Irish fans, it was BOD. This kept my national-team spirit going.

Playing sports and rugby never faultered however despite our national team being average enough that im sure me and locals of the nursing could of beaten them. Played anywhere from backrow to any back position. Gotta say backrow is the most fun position. I got all the benefits of all the other positions. Got to go up in the lineouts, got the abrasive-adrenaline rush of the rucks and also got the chance to take part in the running aspect of the game. Seriously advise this position to any new takers to the game.

If you have a lot of pace e.g. you're one of the fastest on your team, i'd recommend playing Fullback or Wing. If you're moderately quick and powerful i'd recommend flanker, although they have a high work rate, as do all forwards, so if you have a good work rate and the above preferences, flanker is for you. Remember, flanker's and the number 8 are right in the centre of the pitch and have qualities of many of the other positions.

mainly in the wing. Played in high school, third fifteen (the go to player when someone on the opposiition was playing well), mainly breakaway. Played Subbies in Sydney wing and breakaway. First grade in country club rugby winger, breakaway and fullback until the opposition worked out I couldn't kick to save myself. Loved the aggressive side of it.

Let's see born in Minnesota USA learned about rugby in 9th grade and played that year. Fell in love with the game (I agree that it is the perfect game) this is my second year. I have always played hooker though I would like to play flanker.

Sadly last year we took 2nd in the high school State tournament though we are playing strong this season.