My First Game - Getting my ass kicked on the Rugby Pitch (875 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.3 on 43 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Sunny "ERTW" G (View user info) at 2007-07-23 10:41:54 EDT
I don't remember the exact day, but that day my friends, would change my life forever. I was heading home from a lab when I saw the sign.
"Rugby Try-outs, Tomorrow 3:30"
Rugby eh? I have always enjoyed gladiatorial combat, but never have I considered such a sport. I haven't seen how it is played myself, but hey, why not give it a shot? After all, the Engineering admissions committee would love a student athlete!
The following is the most I remember of my first game. It would mark the day that began my journey from being a 120 pound nerdy boy, to the finesse fullback I am today. Not only did the Adcom like the idea I had some extra curricular activities, but playing rugby became one of the best decisions I had ever made in my life. I made some of my closest friends playing this god forsaken sport, and my current University life would revolve around textbooks and TI-81 calculators if it weren't for rugby.
My first game: Grade 10- I was nervous as hell from the opening kick-off. I had tackled in practice, but that was against my teammates. I didn't want to hurt my teammates and vice-versa, and now...NOW, we were trying to spill blood. I was on the wing, because of my speed and agility. 5 minutes into the game came the first scrum-down. If you know anything about rugby, the scrum-down is where heroes are born. When the whistle blows and the referee yells out "SCRUM-DOWN", the clouds darken, lightning strikes, the gentle drizzle turns into a full out storm, and boys turn into men. Heads collide, punches are thrown, and much shit is talked.
I noticed this behemoth during our warm ups, and thanked the good lord that I'm a back and not a forward. He had a full beard already, and stood at a towering 6 foot 5, and at least 200 pounds of just pure Canadian bad-ass. I got to know him well later on in life, his name was Steve.
The opposing team won the scrum, and Steve picked up the ball, and ran towards my side of the wing.
Great.
My first tackle and it will be on the biggest motherfucker out there. The cocky bastard ran right at me. At this point, I asked myself why I didn't do track, play music, RIDE MY FUCKING BIKE, ANYTHING BUT THIS. I ran at him, lowered my shoulder, closed my eyes, and dove.
I remember my coach proudly yelling out "GOOD HIT!".
I regained consciousness a few moments later, with him underneath me. My head was throbbing, and I had no idea what was going on. One of our forwards had to drag me back to our side, because I began lining up in the opposing team's backline.
Later on, when we watched the game tape, my coach pointed out my aggressive demeanor. Yeah, if by aggression you mean flat out fear, asshole. I should sue your ass for making me play this stupid sport.
In the game tape we saw my body go completely horizontal, in a Superman dive at Steve. Before my shoulder connected with his body, I got a face-full of his knee. Well, that explains why I felt slightly nauseous and couldn't remember parts of the game.
Rugby is built around sportsmanship and respect. Any fights, illegal stomping, and quips about each other's mothers is forgotten, and you have a drink with your opposition. I grabbed two bottles of juice (this was a school sanctioned event, sadly, no beer), and congratulated Steve on a good game - and for fucking me up.
Looking back on that day, I see it as a turning point. When I showed up to our Math league competition the next day with a huge shiner, I had a story to tell. Everyone thought I was nuts to try Rugby, and that I would surely get killed. Well, I almost did.
Diagnosis: Mild concussion. I fail.
After that day, tackling became a drug. The adrenaline rush when you hit someone was what kept me going. A tackle was much more than stopping someone, it was a matter of honour. It was much more than winning games. In essence, tackling someone or breaking through a tackle was a matter of who has a stronger will. One of my best coaches told me, "Tackling is 90% mental, and 10% physical. You have to want to do it."
Rugby became my favourite pastime. That summer I became a standout for our city club team, and gained some more muscle. I continued playing throughout high school and now at University. We're more of a 'Drinking team with a rugby problem' than anything else.
A couple of mild concussions, bruised bones, a few X-rays, several pitchers of beer, and many friends later, it turned out to be the best thing I ever did with my spare time.
My advice for fellow nerds out there, pick up a sport... it might just change your life.
User Reviews
Submitted by beeltea (user info) at 2007-07-28 07:56:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
well this post would have normally garnered a plus 2, but since you're such an ASSHOLE, I'll still give this a plus two, and wonder why you're such an asshole.
I won't wonder long.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-28 02:26:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You're very welcome! Mr. Philosopher.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-27 19:49:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You've really made me rethink my life. Thank you.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-26 09:11:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh and I'm sorry I made "immature crazy mean comment".
I didn't intend on being, "mean" to you. Really sorry about that. Your mom should have learned to swallow and saved us this travesty.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-26 09:08:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Put away your thesaurus kid. I had no idea you were such an expert on human behaviour. The grade 10 curriculum must be really rigorous on psychology these days.
I'm not saying you won't do well in academics, basically all I'm trying to tell you is to either get a vasectomy or find a tall building.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-25 19:45:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-24 21:13:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh SNAP! This little piece of text some guy I don't know created is implying that I WON'T go far in life! There goes my plans!
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-25 19:44:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You just made an artbirary assertion about what my academic future is, and then made an incredibly immature crazy mean comment in order to prevent me from responding and explaining that my academic record shows otherwise. I'm starting to think you're not actually trying to offend me and are just trying to be funny in an absurd sort of way.
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2007-07-25 18:21:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
alright then.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-25 17:53:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-25 16:15:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Are you aware that I'm young and still IN high school? I'm not like a 40 year-old who never went? I don't see what's pathetic.
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My point exactly, assjockey. Have fun in community college after graduation.
Here comes a long winded rant about how "ooh im gonna go places! just you watch asshole!"
Save it, oxygen thief.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-25 16:15:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Are you aware that I'm young and still IN high school? I'm not like a 40 year-old who never went? I don't see what's pathetic.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-25 00:39:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
did you graduate high school yet, you pathetic fuck?
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-24 21:19:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
http://www.ubersite.com/m/110116#2482057
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2007-07-24 21:13:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh SNAP! This little piece of text some guy I don't know created is implying that I WON'T go far in life! There goes my plans!
Submitted by i_can_get_you_a_toe (user info) at 2007-07-24 17:21:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Progr3ss (user info) at 2007-07-24 05:33:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
WALLABIES FOR LIFE!!!
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fuck off.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-07-24 15:40:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by Progr3ss (user info) at 2007-07-24 05:33:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
WALLABIES FOR LIFE!!!
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-23 22:46:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by i_can_get_you_a_toe (user info) at 2007-07-23 20:44:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I heart Richie McCaw
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Yeah, I have a bit of a man crush on him too.
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-07-23 21:30:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good post, for an egg-chaser.
Submitted by ilikesteak (user info) at 2007-07-23 20:50:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I read this earlier and forgot to review/say I liked it.
Submitted by i_can_get_you_a_toe (user info) at 2007-07-23 20:44:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I heart Richie McCaw
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2007-07-23 20:04:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
yup
Submitted by Director (user info) at 2007-07-23 19:43:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Good post.
Submitted by experima (user info) at 2007-07-23 14:46:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 14:46:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2007-07-23 12:16:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:35:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hahhahaha my dentist loves me, how else would I turn a perfectly healthy set of teeth into a disaster area.
I did receintly go out on a date with a guy who played rugby in college, he knew which school I played for and did a little internet sleuthing and apparently found some photos of me during my playing days. Was sitting at dinner when I mentioned off hand none of the guys I have dated have really seen me play, when he hurriedly mumbled that he had seen some photos of me during my playing days and if I could refrain from "hitting the weights that heavy ever again" apparently I looked like a "beast" he would really appreciate it. I was kinda in shock for the duration of the dinner.
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The fact that you actually stayed after such a remark on a date explains a lot about your...well, I was going to say "romantic encounters", but that doesn't really apply now does it?
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I think he was going for a compliment in the you don't look like a rugger now, please God never look like one again.
And he is an idiot, I go out with a lot of them.
Submitted by storm (user info) at 2007-07-23 12:19:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
http://stuff.ubersite.com/1163669001100429567/1/manx.JPG
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2007-07-23 12:16:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Rugby
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2007-07-23 12:16:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:35:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hahhahaha my dentist loves me, how else would I turn a perfectly healthy set of teeth into a disaster area.
I did receintly go out on a date with a guy who played rugby in college, he knew which school I played for and did a little internet sleuthing and apparently found some photos of me during my playing days. Was sitting at dinner when I mentioned off hand none of the guys I have dated have really seen me play, when he hurriedly mumbled that he had seen some photos of me during my playing days and if I could refrain from "hitting the weights that heavy ever again" apparently I looked like a "beast" he would really appreciate it. I was kinda in shock for the duration of the dinner.
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The fact that you actually stayed after such a remark on a date explains a lot about your...well, I was going to say "romantic encounters", but that doesn't really apply now does it?
Submitted by HurtByTheSun (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:56:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-23 16:04:47 BST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:00:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Maybe you should be playing field hockey with the girls instead, SallyG.
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I did...but got cut because they realized I did it for the skirts.
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I used to play out on the wing as well. Rugby is fucking fun. Then I got dropped out the 1st 15 I played for and like a petulant child, started playing hockey instead. To this day I can't decide what I broke more bones playing.
If you want to get super fucked up at a sport, have a go at shinty.
Submitted by Cyrus (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:52:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Welcome to rugby. I played for 24 years and sustained only a minimal amount of brain damage. The World cup is coming up and I might actually post again.
And as for Loki - the outfits you wear for martial arts? Get out of here. You don't like the socks? WTH? Most sport require socks. Except yours I guess.
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:37:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:36:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
And Dan I just found baby pink rugby boots from Italy...
I WILL BE THE COOLEST LADY BEAST ON THE FIELD!
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:36:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've walked out of shotokan more than once thinking that I should have gone for swimming instead.
Those socks are just silly though - sorry.
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:35:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:25:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I knew it wouldn't be long until Juls +2'd this. Her dentist has a love/hate relationship with her. He loves her because she puts his kids through college. He hates her because a week after he's performed his most miraculous work, she comes back in with a smashed grill like a Cadillac in a demolition derby.
[sigh]
I love that rugby-playing, Prada-wearing psycho.
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Hahhahaha my dentist loves me, how else would I turn a perfectly healthy set of teeth into a disaster area.
I did receintly go out on a date with a guy who played rugby in college, he knew which school I played for and did a little internet sleuthing and apparently found some photos of me during my playing days. Was sitting at dinner when I mentioned off hand none of the guys I have dated have really seen me play, when he hurriedly mumbled that he had seen some photos of me during my playing days and if I could refrain from "hitting the weights that heavy ever again" apparently I looked like a "beast" he would really appreciate it. I was kinda in shock for the duration of the dinner.
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:25:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:15:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Have to +2 rugby.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-07-23 10:56:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
The secretary where I used to work plays rugby. She quit that job and is now an EMT/Firefighter, and still plays rugby. She's fucking tough. Apparently quite a confidence builder, tackling 220 pound lesbians.
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I've only met like 2 female ruggers this big, most of the girls I have played with were quite smallish.
You almost lost me on the filename though Brian O'D is the shit plain and simple, my want to have sexual relations with him bear no consequence on that opinion though.
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I knew it wouldn't be long until Juls +2'd this. Her dentist has a love/hate relationship with her. He loves her because she puts his kids through college. He hates her because a week after he's performed his most miraculous work, she comes back in with a smashed grill like a Cadillac in a demolition derby.
[sigh]
I love that rugby-playing, Prada-wearing psycho.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:18:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:15:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Have to +2 rugby.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-07-23 10:56:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
The secretary where I used to work plays rugby. She quit that job and is now an EMT/Firefighter, and still plays rugby. She's fucking tough. Apparently quite a confidence builder, tackling 220 pound lesbians.
------------------------------------
I've only met like 2 female ruggers this big, most of the girls I have played with were quite smallish.
You almost lost me on the filename though Brian O'D is the shit plain and simple, my want to have sexual relations with him bear no consequence on that opinion though.
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I know, BOD is one of the best outside centres in the world at his peak. I'd have to put him up there with Umaga...although my fav. is Gavin Henson because he hits like a train.
Submitted by JulsInsane (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:15:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Have to +2 rugby.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-07-23 10:56:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
The secretary where I used to work plays rugby. She quit that job and is now an EMT/Firefighter, and still plays rugby. She's fucking tough. Apparently quite a confidence builder, tackling 220 pound lesbians.
------------------------------------
I've only met like 2 female ruggers this big, most of the girls I have played with were quite smallish.
You almost lost me on the filename though Brian O'D is the shit plain and simple, my want to have sexual relations with him bear no consequence on that opinion though.
Submitted by Beano312003 (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:15:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Rugby players are FUCKING mental.
Each an every one of the twats.
Submitted by czwij (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:10:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
skirt wearing rugby player.
well, why not, but move to montreal, they dont judge stuff like that there.
Submitted by SunnyG (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:04:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:00:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Maybe you should be playing field hockey with the girls instead, SallyG.
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I did...but got cut because they realized I did it for the skirts.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:02:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
Blah blah Blah rugby is played by real men blah blah blah, stomping is fun Blah blah
Thats the jist of what you are saying right.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-07-23 11:00:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Maybe you should be playing field hockey with the girls instead, SallyG.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-07-23 10:56:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
The secretary where I used to work plays rugby. She quit that job and is now an EMT/Firefighter, and still plays rugby. She's fucking tough. Apparently quite a confidence builder, tackling 220 pound lesbians.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2007-07-23 10:48:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
ok