Without a doubt the
question that I am asked the most is ‘why are you so into rugby?' Generally the look on the person's face
when they ask it is one of sceptical intrigue; in their
minds they already know the answer and the next phrase often confirms this.
‘It is because of the men isn’t it!?' My response to them is always calm and
measured in spite of feeling irate inside; yes there are attractive men that
play rugby and yes I have eyes however my reasons for being ‘so into’ rugby go well beyond that.
Rugby unites people; it
brings together people from all parts of the country and world and crucially it
brings together ‘my kind' of people. Segregation, abuse and loutish behaviour
have no place in the sport and to a man or lady every single fan embodies the
values of the game. These core values are respect, discipline, enjoyment and
sportsmanship. Fans are gracious in defeat and I believe that the camaraderie
between fiercely loyal fans of differing clubs and countries is not replicated
in any other sport. Since a young age I’ve always been happy to take that one
solo seat a few blocks away from my friends/family and I have met great people
doing so. I did so at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff last year when England
were pummeled by the Welsh during the RBS 6 Nations decider and
instead of being ridiculed or mocked the Welsh fans around me they bought me
consolation drinks and handed them over with a smile. Rugby fans are welcoming
and above all respectful, to one another, to their team, to the opposition and
to the officials. The people that watch and work in rugby are my kind of people
and their presence is a huge part of my love for the sport.
In my mind the statement
that ‘rugby is a thugs' game played by gentlemen’ rings true and the phrase itself
showcases the second reason for being ‘so
into’ the sport; good old fashioned excitement! Over the course of
80 minutes, or 100 at the recent Aviva Premiership Final, there are rarely any
dull moments. Huge collisions, eye-watering feet, fierce rivalries and deft
skills mean that if you switch off for a second during a match you’ll miss
something. Of course sometimes there are sections of the game for the purists;
15 minutes scrummaging at Bath a few months ago pushed even my limits however
those moments are the exception and not the rule. As the game continues to
evolve and players are developing both physically and in terms of their skill sets
and this will only add to what is already a hugely exciting game to watch.
Rugby is a physically
dangerous sport, on a weekly and even daily basis players put their bodies and
indeed lives on the line. Every single time a player steps onto the pitch, or
goes into a tackle head first they are risking themselves. Professionals know
that if something goes wrong the permutations can be life altering and yet they
play the game with unrelenting physicality regardless. The elite are hardy and
brave individuals that put themselves through hell to entertain us as
spectators and I have a huge respect for every single person that plays the sport.
Two individuals that epitomise the true spirit of rugby are Matt Hampson and
Henry Fraser, both were passionate lovers and players of this great game and
both now are physically less able than they used to be. Their bravery,
unrelenting positivity and passion typifies the type of individual that
partakes in rugby and they alongside the other players of the game today
inspire us all. Not every rugby player is a saint however they all have a
strong moral grounding that comes from playing a sport that is steeped in
tradition and unquestionably strong values.
So to answer the question
posed I do not write about or love the game of rugby purely for the men, I’m
passionate about it due to its values, the inspirational individuals that play
the game and its ability to unite people. I sincerely hope that next time
anyone wonders why a young woman loves a ‘man’s game’ they will stop and think
beyond the stereotype.
