If you never played rugby or you have
never had little interest in it, it’s possible that you wonder what a nasty
game it is!! Maybe you are one of those persons who take rugby to be a tough
game. There is an often feeling that rough people or crooks play rugby. In my
high school experience, there was a time when more than half of rugby players
were suspended from school for indiscipline case and from that time, our
teachers had a bad perception that rugby players are indisciplined. I had to
remain watchful not to be suspended too. My passion in rugby developed
when I was in form one, I enjoyed the tackles and many strange things like the
scrum down, line out, maul, and the rack.
Rugby has been present in my life. It
has contributed a lot in shaping my character. A big percent of my personality
I acquired it during my experience in playing rugby. The training of rugby is
quite demanding and needs a keen attention. Rugby taught me team spirit,
humility, unity, hard work, leadership skills and obedience. These are basic
skills, which are important in life. The hardening acquired in rugby is very
essential to help someone face life challenges in a courageous way. During the
first days, we were helped by the senior players in remove unnecessary
fear
The formation in a rugby team either 15’s
aside or 7’s aside is done such that players cover the loopholes left. This
taught me how to cover up and prevent possible problems, which might come
after somebody, has failed after trying their level best.
Many people associate rugby with injuries.
It is true that in rugby like any other sport like soccer a person can get an
injury. When my family discovered that I had passion for rugby, they
discouraged me. They scared me with stories of people who have broken their
limbs while playing rugby. I listened to their pieces of advice but followed my
heart. For the time I have played rugby, I have never had any major injury and
for this I thank God. Whatever I feel for rugby, I cannot tell. I feel more
alive in a rugby pitch waiting for the ball to go up into the air. I feel
better when holding that rugby ball pressing it hard between my right arm and
my and the ribs, skipping and running for a try. It is a possessive game. The
ball bearer wants to hold the ball as strongly as he can.
I always say to myself “Rugby taught me
life.” there are so many characteristics that rugby has taught me and I owe
rugby much thanks. Even when am out of the rugby pitch, the spirit of rugby is
ever with me.
Long live Rugby!!!
Patrick Muema