The Wrecking Crew!

We were doing tackle practice on Saturday and I started to wonder to myself if it was possible to teach twelve middle school boys how to tackle properly.  Justice, in the center, said, "Let me show them."  And there it was! The perfect tackle!  Thanks Justice, Man of the Practice!

No.  This is not an advertisement for World Rugby Shop.

Gifts For The Contact Crowd

Hanukkah is past, but there is still Christmas, Kwanzaa, certainly a few birthdays and New Year's Eve. Somewhere there is room for a couple of rugby related gifts for the rugby player in your life.  Besides, the kids needs these things anyway if they are playing tackle, so just pretend they are gifts and you have two gifts crossed off you list this holiday season.

A Mouthguard - These are essential for protecting your teeth.  Everyone needs to be wearing a mouthguard if we are to have a tackle scrimmage or a match with another club. Go ahead, get one now and wear it during practice so you can get used to it.  Read the instructions.  You usually have to boil them and then bite them to get the fit right. Dick's Sporting Goods have a huge selection but other places will have them as well. Unfortunately, getting the right size is a bit of trial and error. You might want to try an inexpensive one first.  Most of the Middle School kids can probably wear an adult small.

Compression Shorts - You gotta keep everything in place, ya know?  Also, rugby shorts are very durable making them a bit uncomforatable. Compressions shorts help.  If someone pulls your shorts off while tackling you, you will be glad you have compression shorts underneath (see video below).  Target and Old Navy have compression shorts for under $20.

We Got Pictures!

Did you know that we have an official photographer?  We do!  Josh O'Connor.  Josh came out Saturday and took a mess of pictures.  Good stuff.  Thanks Josh!

Springbok Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Two Movies About Nelson Mandela and 1995 Rugby World Cup

As you know by now, Nelson Mandela passed away today. I want to make mention of two movies that tell the story of Mandela's influence on the South African Springbok rugby team during 1995 Rugby World Cup.  If you have not seen these, I highly recommend them both.

Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood and staring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.  From IMDB:  "The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match. "

Probably good for kids 5th grade and up.  The rugby action happens more towards the end, so if your kid gets bored with the story tell them the rugby is coming up!



Then, for extra detail, check out ESPN's, "The 16th Man".  It is a hour long documentary with interviews with those involved.  It's great.  Luckily for us, it is available on YouTube. Check it out.

Pope Francis to rugby players: Live life like in the playing field

Apparently, the Pope likes rugby.

 From the article: Addressing the national rugby teams of Italy and Argentina, he highlighted the values of sports, and those for rugby in particular. 

 POPE FRANCIS 
"It's a tough sport, a lot of physical contact, but there is no violence. There's great loyalty, great respect. Playing rugby is tiring. It's no easy walk. And I think it's useful to strengthen character, and one's will.” 

 In sports, as in life, he said, one must fight to reach a goal. That's why the Pope urged all players to fight with that same spirit in their lives, as in the field. 

Full Story here.

Rugby, As The Ref Sees It

Total Rugby - Forward Pass