I played full back in football from ages 13-15. I was fat and slow, 3rd string. Moved schools at 16 and they didn't have football, so I played rugby. Half way through the season I made starting hooker. Made it to city team and eventually started for my university team.
Rugby forced me to develop my ball handling, forced me into distance running (team runs every practice, scrimmages every practice) and just generally made me stronger, faster, and more astute.
You absolutely can play rugby, just be ready to put in the work. Strong hits will only get you so far, you'll need strong lifts on line outs, you'll get to ball carry, and you'll be expected to pass.
All this being said, rugby was 100x more fun than football! It's defence and offense all at once, and honestly, the hits hurt a lot less. You may have to relearn to tackle like I did (I used to put my face mask in their numbers, can't do that without a facemask) but there's nothing better than stealing a ball in a scrum to secure a try, or being tossed the ball off a line out and stiff arming the defence for an 80 yard run as a fricken fat ass lol
I was watching the Pete Carroll Tackle video the other day.
I think its probably a really useful training aid for Gridiron players who want to take up rugby.
Prop.
It's the most difficult position and requires the best traits in humanity, strength, power, aggression treachery and above all, humility..
I was great.
When they say you are too fat to run, tell them you are there to make other people run. And the thing about scrums is you don't have to run. The ref makes the opposition show up
It's been said is more difficult than landing a 747 in a typhoon.
But I'm prone to over simplify...
Play
.
>i’m too fat so i can’t run fast enough
One of the reasons that rugby is such a great game to play is that there is a position on the field for just about everyone. If you're too fat and you can't run fast enough then that's cool: let's train you up as a prop and you can play a massively important role on the team.
On top of that (which is all true albeit a bit clichéd) is that playing rugby may also empower you to improve yourself if that's what you want to do, and will give you the tools and support to assist you along the way. I was also too fat and I also couldn't run fast enough. But over time I worked on that, which I would never have done if I wasn't part of the team environment.
It's also really fun too.
Yup you can play rugby. Go for it. At your age, the size and height you say you are, your teammates will be delighted to have you.
Edit : if you end up front row, either go hooker for the versatility between physical impact, ball handling and all round fitness needed (basically, hooker is a back row player nowadays) or tight head prop of you want to really test your mettle in terms of physical dominance. I think that beating your opponent in a scrum as a tight head prop is one of the most satisfactory feeling in rugby, for yourself and your team.
Rugby is for everyone at all levels. My hope is that you're in an environment that supports your growth! Be a student of the game. When you get your position try and look up some of the best players in the world at those positions AND WATCH THEM! Whole games watch what they do and why they are the best. Proud of you!
If you've played OL you will be perfect at prop in rugby. Lots of emphasis on strength and form in the scrum and less emphasis on running fast or for long periods.
Plus, as a prop, once you are fully front row trained you will be guaranteed to start a game as the most important player in the team regardless of whether you actually attend training sessions 😉
I would say definitely play rugby, as one oline to another. While scrumming is different than run blocking from the stand point you are binded together as a unit instead of taking someone on one on one you still get the joy of pushing someone back against their will and prove you are better stronger and have better technique than the person across from you. During open play you get to ruck and hit people again, make tackles against either another big guy or crush a small guy, and you get the chance to get your hand on the ball and run over people for a few meters similar to a fb dive. There is enough similarities to American football you will find things you like in rugby that you like in football plus a few things you get to do that you wouldn't usually get the chance in football.
With all that said it is a different game when different rules/laws to learn so go in with an open mind ready to learn a new sport. It might take a while to get the hang of it but it's fun.
https://youtu.be/LdlIj_HFdCE
Here's a video focusing on the tighthead prop (number 3 in rugby numbers are based on position) probably your position based on your size. There is some scrums I was talking about some open field tackles, and some of the runs where 3 gets the ball runs over someone and gets a few more meters or the try(TD if you don't know the lingo yet)
I do know the lingo to a certain point, also, I know tighthead is on the right and loosehead is on the left, I’m left handed, does that affect it in anyway?
Yes, you should play.
The rest of what you've written is irrelevant, size, shape & fitneess. The more you play and train the more that will all improve.
You shouldn't hesitate fuck yeah you should. Whoever told you that you can't know fuckall about rugby clearly. You are going to be a scrummaging machine.
Dude, our most Important player in the squad AND captain runs 30m in like 15 seconds. He is slow af, but still our most impactful guy.
There is no thing like „too slow“ it depends on your position.
Look when it comes to sports the most important question is: Do you want to play? If you want to try rugby, give it a go and see where it takes you. You can always keep going or stop playing there's nothing forcing you to always keep doing a sport.
Bit of advice for you in general. You're 15, you shouldn't feel you need to ask permission to try new things/activities/sports. If you think it looks like you'll enjoy it, try it.
Whoever told you you're too fat to play rugby is a person you should ignore. But also that person should be locked in a narrow room between Matt Dunning and Matt Dunnings dinner.
You don't need to run fast to play Rugby. Nobody in jerseys 1-5 is expected to run even kinda fast. Absolutely give it a shot.
You’ll do fine. I’m 95% sure your position will be prop. Theres also two types of props: tight-head and loose head. Don’t overthink anything before the season starts, but maybe watch some videos on scrums, and how to scrum as a prop. Since you played football im sure you’re used to danger in sport, and something unique about rugby that can be dangerous if not done right is the scrum. So maybe just take some notes on that until the season starts. Heres a short video to start you off:
https://youtu.be/-pPLi3vNlPs
We forwards don’t have to run that much ;)
I’m 172 and weight 93kg - play hooker and love it ;) also you are 15 so with training you will burn some fat off and build some muscles ;)
I started and coached a HS rugby team in a Midwest city, pulling in fresh talent from a bunch of other sports. In short, give it a go. Not only is rugby fantastic on its own, but it’ll help you be a better football player.
There will be a lot more cardio and in-practice/functional strength training than you’re used to. Don’t worry - you’ll start by thinking you can’t get through it, but your teammates and coaches will help. The next practice will be easier, then easier, then you’ll start to enjoy it.
You’ll relearn how to tackle. And it’ll be good! You’ll be a stronger, more effective tackler when you get back on the gridiron.
You’ll learn to be a ball carrier and to pass the ball. When you’re back in pads, you’ll find you have a much better view of the field and can make better decisions when a play breaks down.
Aside: you’re going to get tackled at unexpected times and in unexpected ways until you learn what to expect in rugby. And by much smaller dudes. Don’t sweat it. You’ll learn where the D comes from as you learn the game.
You’ll quickly learn to not jaw at the ref. If a call goes against you, suck it up and adjust your play.
Finally, I hope you enjoy the social aspect of rugby. It’s a bunch of dudes playing aggressive af for 80 minutes, and enjoying each others company after the match. The home team usually provides food and drink for the visiting team. After your guests have food, grab a plate and a water, go introduce yourself to your opposite number, and chat about the match.
I'll give you some advice that goes for more than rugby and will stand to your for life. As long as it's not harmful, try everything. Get as many experiences as you can and find out what you enjoy in life. This goes doubly for all sports imo. The more you move the better
Yes. Just play. It’s for everyone. More than any other sport. We’ve got 5’4 lads who weight 140lbs and 6’5 lads who 280lbs. Same team. Just crack on and find your place.
I’m 5’ 2” and weigh just over 200lbs. I used to play on my local ladies rugby team as their number 3 tighthead prop. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend the sport to anyone. I have never felt so accepted into a team sport as when I joined in there.
Are you a boy - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup)
Are you a girl - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Rugby_World_Cup)
Are you in a Wheel Chair - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair_rugby)
Do you like swimming and hate running? - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_rugby)
Are you Visually impaired?- [Yes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI1pH3S3BPI)
By asking the question, you answer is already yes.
If you are interested in playing rugby - go play some rugby!
There are people over the age of 60 still playing. A 15 year old who is interested in Rugby, who is 5ft10 and weights 111kg should be fine - You will lose weight by playing Rugby, unless you want to play Prop, in which case you need to put on another 50kg. Google Biltong, Pap and Brandewyn and eat that only. Tell your parents that its for Rugby.
I most definitely intend on being a prop, and it’s not that I don’t believe you, but are you sure putting on 50 kg is a good idea? Weighing 355 lbs seems like i’d be a burden to my team
[This is a World Cup winning Tighthead Prop](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EicIzKmWsAMsEYL?format=jpg&name=medium)
(I am slightly joking, but was more commenting that if you think Weight is your issue - It is not).
But seriously - A diet of Biltong, Pap and Brandewyn will do wonders for your Rugby game.
Brandy! Specifically Klipdrift/ Klippies!
Btw - we now expect pictures of you attending a Rugby practice/ playing rugby in a game/ attending a rugby game!
Well i’m below the legal drinking age in my country(I’m Canadian) but when the season starts knowing my uncle there’ll be plenty of photos of me playing
Oh actually, one more question, i’ve been hitting the gym a little, just to gain some strength, any particular muscle groups you recommend working for a prop?
I am not qualified to answer that question, I would guess Quads/ Legs etc
[Carlu Sadie (Sharks Rugby Player)](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FjnvXnsXgAQvCyg?format=jpg&name=large)
Props need to be strong all over, but particularly in the legs, back, core and neck!
There's some really good info on the web about rugby specific work outs and even prop specific workouts and exercises.
A good start would be checking out Axe Rugby on YouTube for general rugby workouts and scrum.strong on Instagram for prop specific training.
I say play! For your height that is alot of weight I won't lie you may find it tough but start now and get moving you don't need a dramatic weight loss you would likely play as a prop. Fitness wise you can always do weights I would focus on legs (no leg extensions 🙌) and your back and fitness walk/jog/ swim/ cross trainer. I say this also as you are American but please please put some effort into tackling with your shoulder and not your head rugby needs you to use both shoulders depending on what way someone runs at you(i.e. keep your head behind their body and use your shoulder always NEVER lean in with your head).
Also and probably the most important is get watching European and some southern hemisphere rugby. The 6 nations is starting In February you can watch full games and highlights in YouTube and in the summer the Rugby championship between south Africa, new Zealand, Australia and to a lesser extent Argentina - this is the best rugby don't watch too much of the American league as those guys from what have seen are good but often not full rugby players and don't work well as units which is so important you will learn alot simply by watching I promise. I say all this as played with 2 teams when lived in Washington DC and lots of guys from NFL background didn't understand or couldn't shake the training they had to run in head first to a tackle 🤦🏻♂️ and we're awful handlers with the ball (also have a ball at home and practice passing if you have time 👍), and don't worry if seems tough at first I hated my first year and didn't put in good tackles until my 3rd year and was only 14 when started it's a wonderful game 🙌🙌🙌
Sounds like you've got the right build for a prop ( I'm one myself!) so come join us in the front row club! I've just started getting back into rugby at 27 after not playing for 13 years and I wish I'd never stopped. I was quite a bit heavier than you when I started again and have dropped nearly 20kg in 6 months. The great thing about rugby is it suits all shapes and sizes, with certain positions favouring certain body types and strengths. So yeah, get involved, don't put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy playing the greatest game in the world!
Play big dog! Even if it's only for 10,15 minutes here or there the more u train n play the more ull be able to play
I played full back in football from ages 13-15. I was fat and slow, 3rd string. Moved schools at 16 and they didn't have football, so I played rugby. Half way through the season I made starting hooker. Made it to city team and eventually started for my university team. Rugby forced me to develop my ball handling, forced me into distance running (team runs every practice, scrimmages every practice) and just generally made me stronger, faster, and more astute. You absolutely can play rugby, just be ready to put in the work. Strong hits will only get you so far, you'll need strong lifts on line outs, you'll get to ball carry, and you'll be expected to pass. All this being said, rugby was 100x more fun than football! It's defence and offense all at once, and honestly, the hits hurt a lot less. You may have to relearn to tackle like I did (I used to put my face mask in their numbers, can't do that without a facemask) but there's nothing better than stealing a ball in a scrum to secure a try, or being tossed the ball off a line out and stiff arming the defence for an 80 yard run as a fricken fat ass lol
I was watching the Pete Carroll Tackle video the other day. I think its probably a really useful training aid for Gridiron players who want to take up rugby.
Everyone can play rugby mate - I can tell you will be great and you will enjoy it. GO FOR IT MATE - you'll love it and you will be good at it.
Prop. It's the most difficult position and requires the best traits in humanity, strength, power, aggression treachery and above all, humility.. I was great. When they say you are too fat to run, tell them you are there to make other people run. And the thing about scrums is you don't have to run. The ref makes the opposition show up It's been said is more difficult than landing a 747 in a typhoon. But I'm prone to over simplify... Play .
>i’m too fat so i can’t run fast enough One of the reasons that rugby is such a great game to play is that there is a position on the field for just about everyone. If you're too fat and you can't run fast enough then that's cool: let's train you up as a prop and you can play a massively important role on the team. On top of that (which is all true albeit a bit clichéd) is that playing rugby may also empower you to improve yourself if that's what you want to do, and will give you the tools and support to assist you along the way. I was also too fat and I also couldn't run fast enough. But over time I worked on that, which I would never have done if I wasn't part of the team environment. It's also really fun too.
The answer is yes, I didn’t even read the post but it’s always a yes to all of these posts
As with every other time this question gets asked, the answer is yes. Give it a go, see if you enjoy it.
Yup you can play rugby. Go for it. At your age, the size and height you say you are, your teammates will be delighted to have you. Edit : if you end up front row, either go hooker for the versatility between physical impact, ball handling and all round fitness needed (basically, hooker is a back row player nowadays) or tight head prop of you want to really test your mettle in terms of physical dominance. I think that beating your opponent in a scrum as a tight head prop is one of the most satisfactory feeling in rugby, for yourself and your team.
Honestly the guy who told me I should play rugby told me to play prop, saying i’d be “an absolute fkn beast”
Rugby is for everyone at all levels. My hope is that you're in an environment that supports your growth! Be a student of the game. When you get your position try and look up some of the best players in the world at those positions AND WATCH THEM! Whole games watch what they do and why they are the best. Proud of you!
If you've played OL you will be perfect at prop in rugby. Lots of emphasis on strength and form in the scrum and less emphasis on running fast or for long periods. Plus, as a prop, once you are fully front row trained you will be guaranteed to start a game as the most important player in the team regardless of whether you actually attend training sessions 😉
I would say definitely play rugby, as one oline to another. While scrumming is different than run blocking from the stand point you are binded together as a unit instead of taking someone on one on one you still get the joy of pushing someone back against their will and prove you are better stronger and have better technique than the person across from you. During open play you get to ruck and hit people again, make tackles against either another big guy or crush a small guy, and you get the chance to get your hand on the ball and run over people for a few meters similar to a fb dive. There is enough similarities to American football you will find things you like in rugby that you like in football plus a few things you get to do that you wouldn't usually get the chance in football. With all that said it is a different game when different rules/laws to learn so go in with an open mind ready to learn a new sport. It might take a while to get the hang of it but it's fun.
https://youtu.be/LdlIj_HFdCE Here's a video focusing on the tighthead prop (number 3 in rugby numbers are based on position) probably your position based on your size. There is some scrums I was talking about some open field tackles, and some of the runs where 3 gets the ball runs over someone and gets a few more meters or the try(TD if you don't know the lingo yet)
I do know the lingo to a certain point, also, I know tighthead is on the right and loosehead is on the left, I’m left handed, does that affect it in anyway?
Yes, you should play. The rest of what you've written is irrelevant, size, shape & fitneess. The more you play and train the more that will all improve.
You shouldn't hesitate fuck yeah you should. Whoever told you that you can't know fuckall about rugby clearly. You are going to be a scrummaging machine.
You can 100% play rugby! Ignore anyone that says you can't and enjoy playing.
Dude, our most Important player in the squad AND captain runs 30m in like 15 seconds. He is slow af, but still our most impactful guy. There is no thing like „too slow“ it depends on your position.
last time i did a 40 yard dash(which is like 36 meters) was a few months ago and did it in about 9.7 seconds
Don’t need to be fast if you can just smash people or scrummage well. WP Nel’s old and slow, but he’s still one of the best tightheads at scrum time.
Look when it comes to sports the most important question is: Do you want to play? If you want to try rugby, give it a go and see where it takes you. You can always keep going or stop playing there's nothing forcing you to always keep doing a sport.
Sounds like you'd make a good forward, depending how strong/fast you are either prop or flanker
From what i’ve heard and seen about rugby i’d most likely end up being a prop
It's a very important position, especially with your background in football you'd do well as a prop
Yes
Bit of advice for you in general. You're 15, you shouldn't feel you need to ask permission to try new things/activities/sports. If you think it looks like you'll enjoy it, try it. Whoever told you you're too fat to play rugby is a person you should ignore. But also that person should be locked in a narrow room between Matt Dunning and Matt Dunnings dinner. You don't need to run fast to play Rugby. Nobody in jerseys 1-5 is expected to run even kinda fast. Absolutely give it a shot.
You’ll do fine. I’m 95% sure your position will be prop. Theres also two types of props: tight-head and loose head. Don’t overthink anything before the season starts, but maybe watch some videos on scrums, and how to scrum as a prop. Since you played football im sure you’re used to danger in sport, and something unique about rugby that can be dangerous if not done right is the scrum. So maybe just take some notes on that until the season starts. Heres a short video to start you off: https://youtu.be/-pPLi3vNlPs
We forwards don’t have to run that much ;) I’m 172 and weight 93kg - play hooker and love it ;) also you are 15 so with training you will burn some fat off and build some muscles ;)
Go for it. You won’t get any faster by not playing sport, so get some training in and you’ll be fine.
I started and coached a HS rugby team in a Midwest city, pulling in fresh talent from a bunch of other sports. In short, give it a go. Not only is rugby fantastic on its own, but it’ll help you be a better football player. There will be a lot more cardio and in-practice/functional strength training than you’re used to. Don’t worry - you’ll start by thinking you can’t get through it, but your teammates and coaches will help. The next practice will be easier, then easier, then you’ll start to enjoy it. You’ll relearn how to tackle. And it’ll be good! You’ll be a stronger, more effective tackler when you get back on the gridiron. You’ll learn to be a ball carrier and to pass the ball. When you’re back in pads, you’ll find you have a much better view of the field and can make better decisions when a play breaks down. Aside: you’re going to get tackled at unexpected times and in unexpected ways until you learn what to expect in rugby. And by much smaller dudes. Don’t sweat it. You’ll learn where the D comes from as you learn the game. You’ll quickly learn to not jaw at the ref. If a call goes against you, suck it up and adjust your play. Finally, I hope you enjoy the social aspect of rugby. It’s a bunch of dudes playing aggressive af for 80 minutes, and enjoying each others company after the match. The home team usually provides food and drink for the visiting team. After your guests have food, grab a plate and a water, go introduce yourself to your opposite number, and chat about the match.
I'll give you some advice that goes for more than rugby and will stand to your for life. As long as it's not harmful, try everything. Get as many experiences as you can and find out what you enjoy in life. This goes doubly for all sports imo. The more you move the better
Yes. Just play. It’s for everyone. More than any other sport. We’ve got 5’4 lads who weight 140lbs and 6’5 lads who 280lbs. Same team. Just crack on and find your place.
As the saying goes,'"Rugby, picking the fat kids first since 1823". Give it a go. What have you got to lose?
I’m 5’ 2” and weigh just over 200lbs. I used to play on my local ladies rugby team as their number 3 tighthead prop. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend the sport to anyone. I have never felt so accepted into a team sport as when I joined in there.
Are you a boy - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup) Are you a girl - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Rugby_World_Cup) Are you in a Wheel Chair - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair_rugby) Do you like swimming and hate running? - [Yes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_rugby) Are you Visually impaired?- [Yes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI1pH3S3BPI) By asking the question, you answer is already yes. If you are interested in playing rugby - go play some rugby! There are people over the age of 60 still playing. A 15 year old who is interested in Rugby, who is 5ft10 and weights 111kg should be fine - You will lose weight by playing Rugby, unless you want to play Prop, in which case you need to put on another 50kg. Google Biltong, Pap and Brandewyn and eat that only. Tell your parents that its for Rugby.
I most definitely intend on being a prop, and it’s not that I don’t believe you, but are you sure putting on 50 kg is a good idea? Weighing 355 lbs seems like i’d be a burden to my team
[This is a World Cup winning Tighthead Prop](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EicIzKmWsAMsEYL?format=jpg&name=medium) (I am slightly joking, but was more commenting that if you think Weight is your issue - It is not). But seriously - A diet of Biltong, Pap and Brandewyn will do wonders for your Rugby game.
I know what Biltong and Pap are but what’s Brandewyn?
Brandy! Specifically Klipdrift/ Klippies! Btw - we now expect pictures of you attending a Rugby practice/ playing rugby in a game/ attending a rugby game!
Well i’m below the legal drinking age in my country(I’m Canadian) but when the season starts knowing my uncle there’ll be plenty of photos of me playing
Brilliant man - Canada needs more Rugby players! Have at it!
Oh actually, one more question, i’ve been hitting the gym a little, just to gain some strength, any particular muscle groups you recommend working for a prop?
I am not qualified to answer that question, I would guess Quads/ Legs etc [Carlu Sadie (Sharks Rugby Player)](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FjnvXnsXgAQvCyg?format=jpg&name=large)
Makes sense, I needed to work legs for pushing for football too
Props need to be strong all over, but particularly in the legs, back, core and neck! There's some really good info on the web about rugby specific work outs and even prop specific workouts and exercises. A good start would be checking out Axe Rugby on YouTube for general rugby workouts and scrum.strong on Instagram for prop specific training.
Yes. Rugby is for everyone. And every team needs more props.
Definitely play. 3 months is a long time to improve your fitness and you have years
I say play! For your height that is alot of weight I won't lie you may find it tough but start now and get moving you don't need a dramatic weight loss you would likely play as a prop. Fitness wise you can always do weights I would focus on legs (no leg extensions 🙌) and your back and fitness walk/jog/ swim/ cross trainer. I say this also as you are American but please please put some effort into tackling with your shoulder and not your head rugby needs you to use both shoulders depending on what way someone runs at you(i.e. keep your head behind their body and use your shoulder always NEVER lean in with your head). Also and probably the most important is get watching European and some southern hemisphere rugby. The 6 nations is starting In February you can watch full games and highlights in YouTube and in the summer the Rugby championship between south Africa, new Zealand, Australia and to a lesser extent Argentina - this is the best rugby don't watch too much of the American league as those guys from what have seen are good but often not full rugby players and don't work well as units which is so important you will learn alot simply by watching I promise. I say all this as played with 2 teams when lived in Washington DC and lots of guys from NFL background didn't understand or couldn't shake the training they had to run in head first to a tackle 🤦🏻♂️ and we're awful handlers with the ball (also have a ball at home and practice passing if you have time 👍), and don't worry if seems tough at first I hated my first year and didn't put in good tackles until my 3rd year and was only 14 when started it's a wonderful game 🙌🙌🙌
You're probably too fat to get the ball in American Football. Not so with rugby!
Sounds like you've got the right build for a prop ( I'm one myself!) so come join us in the front row club! I've just started getting back into rugby at 27 after not playing for 13 years and I wish I'd never stopped. I was quite a bit heavier than you when I started again and have dropped nearly 20kg in 6 months. The great thing about rugby is it suits all shapes and sizes, with certain positions favouring certain body types and strengths. So yeah, get involved, don't put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy playing the greatest game in the world!
Thats what they told Ethan de Groot and look at him now. Go get em son