Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

speakup

A sport is slowly invading Carleton County, one which is often misunderstood and underestimated. The sport is rugby, and it is gaining recognition throughout the Valley.

People have been playing rugby for some time in Carleton County, namely the members of the Wildmen Rugby Football Club. The Wildmen were established in 1987 and have been one of the main forces driving rugby into area schools, as both the Woodstock and Carleton North Boys teams are currently coached by members of the Wildmen.

As a member of the Carleton North Stars rugby team, I have heard first-hand the reaction people get when they think about a rugby team. Unlike basketball or hockey, a position on the rugby team is not a coveted goal.

During some practices, there are not even enough people to fill all of the positions on the team.

A common stereotype regarding rugby deals with the people who play the sport. There is often the mental image that to play one must be a 300-pound ogre, without a thought in your head besides who to pulverize next. Once you play the game, you quickly realize this stereotype does not apply.

Not that the occasional ogre isn't nice, but the game of rugby demands people who can be fast on their feet and quick in the head. A player always has to know where the ball is, where they are, and where everyone else is on the field.

Rugby is, first and foremost, a team sport, with a great deal of co-operation needed to properly carry out any play.

Sometimes the image of brutality in rugby is justified. Being the big scary team is a great mental advantage for any game. Adding to this image is the fact that, compared to football or hockey, rugby has little equipment. A pair of cleats and a mouth guard is enough for most players.

When people are asked to describe rugby, one of the most aggravating responses is "Oh, isn't it that game kind of like football?" Yes, the ball is shaped somewhat the same and yes, people do get tackled during a game. But after that, the similarities end.

Rugby is its own game, with its own rules, traditions and history.

Actually, the sport of rugby precedes that of American football, with the first Rugby Union being created in 1870.

So why does rugby play second fiddle to almost any other inter-curricular activity? When asked, Carleton North Stars vice captain Jordan Lloyd said, "people just stereotype it and the players as roughnecks, and the game as people just wanting to kick the crap out of each other."

While there is a lot of tackling happening throughout a game, and a lack of protective equipment worn, seldom does any major injury occur.

In my experience, you are just as likely to suffer injuries in hockey or basketball as in rugby.

If my writing has caused some regret that you have not spent enough time with the sport of rugby, fear not.

High school games have been scheduled for the remaining weeks of school, and spectators are always welcome. And if you want to see a more professional game, check out the Wildmen, who would never turn down fans.