Why Rugby?

Forgive us for starting with the obvious, but rugby brings physical health benefits to anyone who takes to the field – and children are no different.

Developing social skills is another huge part of parenting, and one that again needs to be developed at a young age if the benefits are to be reaped in the future.

Because it is character building, because it’s good practice for life, because he will get over it and he needs to know that.

Because it’s bonding, because it feels good, because he needs to know that there are rewards for effort.

Unlike just about any other team sport, rugby is about all players having the same opportunity to run with the ball, pass the ball, and play defense.

Regularly engaging in sports can help subtly boost your child’s self-esteem. This happens as the child sets small goals on the field, such as perfecting a skill, and achieves them.

All sports have lessons that can be taken from the field and applied to real life. But rugby has lessons that can’t be found in any other game – we’re not talking about the standard generics of “teamwork” and “playing hard.” We’re talking about the preparation for life that can only be found on the rugby pitch.

It’s quite likely your kids will discover positive role models in coaches and older players.

It’s hard to believe that what your child does on the court can impact what they do in the classroom, but it does. Children who were involved with at least one sport were more likely to get better grades suggests a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Rugby players don’t wear pads. And it’s a collision sport. But safety is a huge part of the sport and culture of rugby.

Before respect for authority completely vanishes in the world, the last place it will be found is on the rugby field. When the referee makes a decision we disagree with, kids still call him “sir” and don’t talk back.

Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

There is an adult rugby club in almost every city in America, but also, at nearly every University. Plus, there is an ever growing list of scholarship opportunities at University's with varsity programs. There is a nation-wide professional league. And, there is a pathway available to represent the United States at an international level.

Rugby can improve your body’s cardiovascular system which transports blood, oxygen, and nutrients through your body. It does so by maintaining a healthy weight and improving your level of fitness. The very nature of the game is such that it requires extreme physical effort in the form of running, sprinting and tackling opponents. This kind of exercise builds a strong heart which functions more efficiently. With a preliminary study stating that rugby players cover an average distance of 2.5 miles to 4.25 miles in a single game, you get the opportunity to burn ample calories and the benefit of an increased stamina!

Playing rugby regularly can work magic on your body by toning the muscles of the forelimbs, hind limbs and chest. Moreover, the movements made during the game put stress on the bones. When the stress is above normal levels, it stimulates the deposition of calcium along the stress points. This increases your bone density. The advantage of this? You safeguard yourself from developing osteoporosis in the future!

Did you know that a sport like rugby can also help improve your mental wellbeing? Team games like rugby can help people with mild depression. It gives participants a sense of belonging and purpose that is often lacking in people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Moreover, the sense of companionship with teammates helps people have a more positive frame of mind and develop a strong support system.

Flexibility and pace are important in rugby. A good game of rugby requires you to suddenly vary your speed, dodge your opponents and score a try. This constant and abrupt twisting helps you to be more flexible. With practice, rugby has the potential to make your body agile and sharpen your reflexes.

We all know the effects that long term stress can have on your body and mind. Team games like rugby are a means of reducing stress. Your body releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones – to lift your mood. Or maybe, it’s the happiness you feel when you get into a ruck or make a hard tackle.... Plus, there is an ever growing list of scholarship opportunities at University's with varsity programs. There is a nation-wide professional league. And, there is a pathway available to represent the United States at an international level.