so... I started playing rugby

djcervi

Thanks for the heads up. The one thing that I'm worried about is my hand eye coordination. Do you think I should just get a ball and practise passing the ball? Would a rugby club be turned off by it? I realise it's kinda stupid question but it's something I'm really conscious over.:o

Tim Robbins

djcervi wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up. The one thing that I'm worried about is my hand eye coordination. Do you think I should just get a ball and practise passing the ball? Would a rugby club be turned off by it? I realise it's kinda stupid question but it's something I'm really conscious over.:o

The key to catching a pass is having your hands out before someone passes the ball to you. This means you are mentally ready for it and you have mathematically have to adust your arms an hands a smaller distance to catch it then if you had not had them out - so it's much easier. You are also giving your passer a target who should be aiming to throw roughly where your chest is.

A good way of improving hand - eye co-ordination is to try catching a smaller object e.g. a tennis ball.

djcervi

Tim Robbins wrote: »

The key to catching a pass is having your hands out before someone passes the ball to you. This means you are mentally ready for it and you have mathematically have to adust your arms an hands a smaller distance to catch it then if you had not had them out - so it's much easier. You are also giving your passer a target who should be aiming to throw roughly where your chest is.

A good way of improving hand - eye co-ordination is to try catching a smaller object e.g. a tennis ball.

Thanks Tim! I think I owe it to myself to give rugby a go and I'm not exactly too old to start :pac:. I'll practise catching balls, etc to improve my coordination. Confidence is my issue and I need to deal with it as best as I can. Also a bit of running and walking the dog to get some exercise. Does anybody by any chance have any experience of the rugby clubs in Trinity, UCD or Maynooth? I've noticed that everybody here seems to have a connection with Stillorgan, but I'm guessing most people are quite older than me in Stillorgan (no offence) :pac: I'm 18 btw (Sorry if I hijacked your thread Cronin :pac:

Stev_o

djcervi wrote: »

Thanks Tim! I think I owe it to myself to give rugby a go and I'm not exactly too old to start :pac:. I'll practise catching balls, etc to improve my coordination. Confidence is my issue and I need to deal with it as best as I can. Also a bit of running and walking the dog to get some exercise. Does anybody by any chance have any experience of the rugby clubs in Trinity, UCD or Maynooth? I've noticed that everybody here seems to have a connection with Stillorgan, but I'm guessing most people are quite older than me in Stillorgan (no offence) :pac: I'm 18 btw (Sorry if I hijacked your thread Cronin :pac:

Maynooth are a good set up, facilities there are some of the best. All weather pitch that iv played many times (sadly in the rain) and they have a very good relationship with Barnhall RFC which is nearest major club.

thebossanova

Maynooth is a good college club alright but a lot of the guys there would also play for a regular club like Barnhall or North Kildare. Trinity and UCD are also excellent clubs. Trinity doesn't cater much for beginners unless you're a fast learner, but if you're inclined to get stuck in I don't think it would be a problem. The U20's B's and the J4 teams would what you'd be aiming for, but training doesn't start in anger until college begins, same with UCD really. UCD have 3 U20's teams, with the 3rd team being either a lower standard than the 2nds or they have a lot of players, I'm not sure, and J4 team.

My suggestion would be to go out to Bird Avenue to try out the basics with Stillorgan, as they're already training and then come out to a college team when their training starts or stay with Stillorgan if you like it there. If you are going to a college then play with the team there rather than another college even if it's handier for you, as the socialising in college rugby (and all rugby for that matter!) is important and part of the whole experience!

Goodluck2me

cronin_j wrote: »

Training day 3:
When I got into bed last night, I slept like a brick, tops of my legs are like jelly this week, can defo feel my lung capacity is increasing…

Till next week.

This is the best bit, you sleep brilliantly and I think it really helps your overall wellbeing and happiness and you have things to work towards each week.
Also if you drink a pint of water with literally a small pinch of salt it will help too, as the salt dissipates the lactic acid. Failing that a Lucozade sport (watered down if you find it syrupie)

aya14 wrote: »

J if your legs are stiff keep moving when possible remaining stationery means when you move again the stiffness is still there. A bath is also not a bad idea.

Ice baths are the way to go, we had to do them for the first few years, hated the first one but boy do they really help your recovery.
failing that when having yoru shower, go freezing cold for 30 secs, hot for 30 secs. Repeat three times and crucially you must finish on the cold one.

djcervi wrote: »

I'm still quite young (I'm 18) I still want to try out a team sport properly. Also from chatting to rugby playing mates from school there's such great camaderie between them and they enjoy what they do

What Uni are you going to? Also there really is no better way to get to know people and make friends than rugby.

djcervi wrote: »

I've been told that I have the build for rugby, however the jocks aka rugby's my life w***kers have also scared me away from it in the past (A lot of them are not really sound at all).

They are never quite as bad as you might think, although there will always be a few. At the level you would be joining you'll not need to worry about it. (hope that didn't sound condescending)

djcervi wrote: »

Thanks Tim! I think I owe it to myself to give rugby a go and I'm not exactly too old to start :pac:. I'll practise catching balls, etc to improve my coordination. Confidence is my issue and I need to deal with it as best as I can. Also a bit of running and walking the dog to get some exercise. Does anybody by any chance have any experience of the rugby clubs in Trinity, UCD or Maynooth? I've noticed that everybody here seems to have a connection with Stillorgan, but I'm guessing most people are quite older than me in Stillorgan (no offence) :pac: I'm 18 btw (Sorry if I hijacked your thread Cronin :pac:

I am coaching the J4's in UCD this year, which I started last year, and training starts in the first Monday in August in UCD.

Depp

tom court didnt start till his twenties

rockman15

lads...i started back in the gym tonight...im absolutely wrecked forgot how difficult it was, and this is only the PREP work

ALH-06

Goodluck2me wrote: »

I am coaching the J4's in UCD this year, which I started last year, and training starts in the first Monday in August in UCD.

Whats the set-up like in UCD? Do many non-students play?

A friend of mine was looking to start up again - was thinking of Stillorgan but UCD would be handier...

Goodluck2me

ALH-06 wrote: »

Whats the set-up like in UCD? Do many non-students play?

A friend of mine was looking to start up again - was thinking of Stillorgan but UCD would be handier...

the facilities are probably the best in the country, there are a few non students playing and you'll be welcomed with open arms. The J4 squad has about 28 players last season and is very competitive, in a good way.
We train on the rugby astro on monday nights and on the pitch on Wed's.

I think, but I am not sure, that you have to have been in UCD to play for the club though, in some capacity, so that can rule some players out.

LeopoldButters

ALH-06 wrote: »

Whats the set-up like in UCD? Do many non-students play?

A friend of mine was looking to start up again - was thinking of Stillorgan but UCD would be handier...

you could always give both them a shot and see which one you prefer...

djcervi

Goodluck2me wrote: »

What Uni are you going to? Also there really is no better way to get to know people and make friends than rugby.


They are never quite as bad as you might think, although there will always be a few. At the level you would be joining you'll not need to worry about it. (hope that didn't sound condescending)

Well I'm hoping to go to Trinity next year (I just did my leaving cert), but supposedly the Rugby Club there is not patient with newbies to the game in general. Although UCD is my third choice, so it's possible I might end up there.
Don't worry I'm not offended by your comment. Everybody starts somewhere. The comment that I made (that certain rugby jocks who's lives were rugby have scared me from the game in the past) was referring to 'certain' (not all) rugby players that attended my school. I kinda realise that college may be a bit different.

I am coaching the J4's in UCD this year, which I started last year, and training starts in the first Monday in August in UCD.

Would I be able to join when I know that I'm definitely going to UCD for college. Student sports clubs look for new people on freshers' week every year yeah?

Maynooth is a good college club alright but a lot of the guys there would also play for a regular club like Barnhall or North Kildare. Trinity and UCD are also excellent clubs. Trinity doesn't cater much for beginners unless you're a fast learner, but if you're inclined to get stuck in I don't think it would be a problem. The U20's B's and the J4 teams would what you'd be aiming for, but training doesn't start in anger until college begins, same with UCD really. UCD have 3 U20's teams, with the 3rd team being either a lower standard than the 2nds or they have a lot of players, I'm not sure, and J4 team.

My suggestion would be to go out to Bird Avenue to try out the basics with Stillorgan, as they're already training and then come out to a college team when their training starts or stay with Stillorgan if you like it there. If you are going to a college then play with the team there rather than another college even if it's handier for you, as the socialising in college rugby (and all rugby for that matter!) is important and part of the whole experience!

Stillorgan's a bit awkward for me to get to. I'd need somebody to drive me up, as buses are not that reliable. I was thinking about getting myself in better shape this summer, improving my hand-eye coordination and then trying out rugby in college. I keep thinking that hopefully there will be total newbies like me who will want to try it out.

Tim Robbins

djcervi wrote: »

Stillorgan's a bit awkward for me to get to. I'd need somebody to drive me up, as buses are not that reliable. I was thinking about getting myself in better shape this summer, improving my hand-eye coordination and then trying out rugby in college. I keep thinking that hopefully there will be total newbies like me who will want to try it out.

Where do you live?
There should be a junior club which is in cycling distance no problem.
We need to sort you out a.s.a.p. as pre-season is the time for someone like you to get into a club.

LeopoldButters

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Where do you live?
There should be a junior club which is in cycling distance no problem.
We need to sort you out a.s.a.p. as pre-season is the time for someone like you to get into a club.

Stillorgan's ground are only a few mins walk from thw Windy Arbour Luas stop on the green line if that suits you. But Tim is is correct, if you let us know where you are living there will be other options of clubs.

Beau

djcervi wrote: »

Does anybody by any chance have any experience of the rugby clubs in Trinity, UCD or Maynooth?QUOTE]

Just graduated from Maynooth, have been playing with the rugby club there for the past 3 years. It has come on a long way since I started. There are now 3 male teams (+1 female), one for freshers, 2nds and a first team. So now most of the experienced guys are on the 1st team and newbies for the other teams. You should join Barnhall or North Kildare as well to get more games (the college league's fixtures can be weeks/months apart). Anyway, if you do go to Maynooth all the lads are spot on and very friendly. Best craic I had in college was on the team and the bus journeys home from mathces.

Check out the very out of date website (the contact details are still correct) http://nuimrugby.com/

djcervi

LeopoldButters wrote: »

Stillorgan's ground are only a few mins walk from thw Windy Arbour Luas stop on the green line if that suits you. But Tim is is correct, if you let us know where you are living there will be other options of clubs.

Cheers for your help lads I really appreciate it. It's kinda surreal for me that I'm actually going ahead with this. I live in Terenure (I know an obvious club to join) but the thing is I used to go to school there, and so I don't think I'd feel comfortable playing for the club as 1) I'm afraid that the guys won't take me seriously, as I'm not exactly the rugby type and 2) when I actually did (the very short time) rugby they took it really seriously and,as a complete beginner, I don't need it. Sports don't come naturally to me so I really need to work at them to do well. Marys is across the road from me, but I'm sure i'd get some stick from my mates from playing with them. I think I might try out Stillorgan RFC. I realised that I can get the 15 to Rathgar and walk towards the Dropping Wheel, that's the direction on the website yeah?
But I've a few queries: this might sound stupid,(apologies) but I'm guessing that I'm younger (18) than most people who play for the team (this is the impression I got from the website), does that put me at a disadvantage training wise? I don't want to be killed :pac:
Do I need to pay to try out? when can I start?I'm not exactly in the money atm so I need to know that
My hand- eye coordination is pretty bad atm, so my catching/passing ball technique is pretty bad.. Would that frustrate training? I'm really conscious about it..:o and I don't want to frustrate other people
If I'm training for the first time what do I need? boots (tried to find my old pair but can't find them), gumshield (obviously), (nure:pac:) jersey,shorts....?
..and what to expect from the first training season?

Thanks! If you could answer them all it would put my mind at ease, ridiculous as they probably are.

Tim Robbins

djcervi wrote: »

Cheers for your help lads I really appreciate it. It's kinda surreal for me that I'm actually going ahead with this. I live in Terenure (I know an obvious club to join) but the thing is I used to go to school there, and so I don't think I'd feel comfortable playing for the club as 1) I'm afraid that the guys won't take me seriously, as I'm not exactly the rugby type and 2) when I actually did (the very short time) rugby they took it really seriously and,as a complete beginner, I don't need it. Sports don't come naturally to me so I really need to work at them to do well. Marys is across the road from me, but I'm sure i'd get some stick from my mates from playing with them. I think I might try out Stillorgan RFC. I realised that I can get the 15 to Rathgar and walk towards the Dropping Wheel, that's the direction on the website yeah?
But I've a few queries: this might sound stupid,(apologies) but I'm guessing that I'm younger (18) than most people who play for the team (this is the impression I got from the website), does that put me at a disadvantage training wise? I don't want to be killed :pac:
Do I need to pay to try out? when can I start?I'm not exactly in the money atm so I need to know that
My hand- eye coordination is pretty bad atm, so my catching/passing ball technique is pretty bad.. Would that frustrate training? I'm really conscious about it..:o and I don't want to frustrate other people
If I'm training for the first time what do I need? boots (tried to find my old pair but can't find them), gumshield (obviously), (nure:pac:) jersey,shorts....?
..and what to expect from the first training season?

Thanks! If you could answer them all it would put my mind at ease, ridiculous as they probably are.

Right mate. Some points:
1.
The thing to do is to go to pre-season training. The season and hence competitive matches don't start til October. This gives you about 8 weeks to get up to speed, get fit and make your mind up if you want to commit for the season.

2.
As for clubs. Based on what your saying, I'd pick a junior club.
Tallaght or Stillorgan. Get yourself a bike and cycle there.

3.
As for your age, there are U20 teams all over Dublin. This level is changing to U19 next season. Now, suprisingly, this level is at a higher level than J4 rugby. So you might be better off going for a J4 team.

4.
The J4 league last year had a load of mismatches. Some teams were loosing every week (Malahide, Warriors) and other teams were winning every week (Wesley, Belvo, Coolmine, Clondalkin). So they are making a J5 league this year based on the results from last season. (great idea by the branch btw). Bective had two J4 teams last season. I suspect one of them will go to J5. So they might be another option.

5.
You don't usually need to pay to try out.

6.
You need boots, gum shield and get should pads.

7.
If you think you are going to be killed, that is possibly the worst mind set to have playing rugby. You have to have the mind set you are going to kill someone else. You have to also have forward momentum in contact or you'll get injured. (It's the opposite to tag rugby which teaches loads of bad habbits btw).

8.
Loads of people who play rugby have cr*p hand to eye coordination which is why the play rugby as opposed to hurling.
This is something you can work on. Practise throwing and catching a tennis ball.

My suggestion is get your own fitness up, this is something you can work on yourself. Pick Tallaght or Stillorgan. Maybe some of the lads who play for those clubs will give good advice, based on your background and age. The alternative, is check out your college team.

mikedragon32

djcervi: The 17 bus goes from Terenure to the gate of the CUS grounds on Bird Avenue. Just ask the driver to let you off at the church (it's next door). According to the Dublin Bus website (take the times with a pinch of salt) one passes Kimmage Road West at 18:40 and gets to Belfield at 19:05. So it would get you to Bird Avenue a couple of minutes before that.

A couple of the lads live out Terenure direction too, so getting a lift home will be no problem.

slingerz

Lads I'm going starting out playing with Muskerry rugby in a couple of weeks with the pre season training. because I havent played before what sort of kit do I need for training? I assume it would be a good idea to get a rugby ball to throw around to get used to the feel of it but any other advice?

Amabokke

slingerz wrote: »

Lads I'm going starting out playing with Muskerry rugby in a couple of weeks with the pre season training. because I havent played before what sort of kit do I need for training? I assume it would be a good idea to get a rugby ball to throw around to get used to the feel of it but any other advice?

Extra pair of lungs. Gloves might help too. Once you start contact invest in a gumshield, shoulder pads (for girls like me) and if you have big **** then tight biker shorts to keep them in place.

slingerz

to keep them in place?! are they going to fall off or what? and i didnt think rugby players wore gloves? Do those shoulder pads help a lot? I think a gum shield is vital alright.

Dont think i can buy some lungs. will have to check ebay though they've everything!

With regards kit, does the club supply the jerseys, shorts and socks like soccer or do you need to go but the club shorts and socks? Would standard football boots do for rugby or do you need the specific rugby boots? presume some of those under armour vests would be helpful too for those cold winters days!

Also, how do they decide where to play you?! if you've never played before that is

Reflector

agree with posters here, anyone can play rugby if they put their minds to it, the J4/J5 league is competitive but not overkill.

Also is it not a bit early for pre season training. It is a long old season. We're not getting going until mid august?

slingerz

Reflector wrote: »

agree with posters here, anyone can play rugby if they put their minds to it, the J4/J5 league is competitive but not overkill.

Also is it not a bit early for pre season training. It is a long old season. We're not getting going until mid august?

What is the grading system in rugby like if a teams 1st team is J2 do their seconds play j4 then or something?

Depp

were not going back till well into esptember id say, all very serious here,

Tefral

Come tonight, get yourself to the dundrum shopping centre, ill pick you up and drive you down if ya want.

that way your not walking in on your own and 2 you have a lift.

Drop me a pm if ya want and ill give you my number...

Looking forward to the training session tonight, as always ill have my write up tomorrow

stephen_n

slingerz wrote: »

to keep them in place?! are they going to fall off or what? and i didnt think rugby players wore gloves? Do those shoulder pads help a lot? I think a gum shield is vital alright.

Dont think i can buy some lungs. will have to check ebay though they've everything!

With regards kit, does the club supply the jerseys, shorts and socks like soccer or do you need to go but the club shorts and socks? Would standard football boots do for rugby or do you need the specific rugby boots? presume some of those under armour vests would be helpful too for those cold winters days!

Also, how do they decide where to play you?! if you've never played before that is

You'll need your own shorts and socks, club will supply jerseys on match days but not for training but any old top will do for that. Gum shield is vital and I'd advise using it in training just to get used to running with it in your mouth as it will feel awkward and restrictive if you don't get used to it first!

slingerz

stephen_n wrote: »

You'll need your own shorts and socks, club will supply jerseys on match days but not for training but any old top will do for that. Gum shield is vital and I'd advise using it in training just to get used to running with it in your mouth as it will feel awkward and restrictive if you don't get used to it first!

cheers for that have never worn a gum sheild before so it would take a bit of getting used to alright i'd say. what are the training sessions like generally like i've 0 ideas about what happens at a (training)session?

Third_Echelon

Alright lads.. I know a couple of the fellas playing with Stillorgan and it sounds like a great club to join for beginners.

Never played Rugby competitively before. I've only played tag for the past couple of years. Big fan of Rugby and have followed and watched it for years though.

I played soccer all through my youth up until I was about 21 and gave up then due to college and other commitments as I couldn't dedicate the time to it. I'm 28 now, so its been about 7 years since I've played competitively, so the fitness levels aren't great. That would be the first thing I'd have to work on.

I'm 5' 7" and 95 Kgs. Plan on losing as much as I can though. 10 Kgs hopefully

Thing is, i'm not sure what position would be my best. I don't have the height or physique for most of the forward or backs positions (probably not fast enough for the wing, but perhaps at J4/5 this isn't a big issue). I think I'd only really be able for scrum half. Tag Rugby has improved my passing and I can kick the ball pretty well out of hand (for touch or drop)...

Is this realistically the only position I could play?

EpiphoneSpecial

if you have speed you could play on the wing.
if you have good strength, you could be a niggly annoying 6 or 7

only other option is hooker, but without years of experience it would be dangerous to play there!

just to ad, J4/J5 is a really mixed bunch of shapes and sizes, i wouldn't be too worried about finding a position, you'll soon figure it out after training for a few weeks.

Third_Echelon

EpiphoneSpecial wrote: »

if you have speed you could play on the wing.

Probably not fast enough for a speedy winger.

EpiphoneSpecial wrote: »

if you have good strength, you could be a niggly annoying 6 or 7

Strength is possibly something I could build on alright. Hadn't thought about 6 or 7 position.

EpiphoneSpecial wrote: »

only other option is hooker, but without years of experience it would be dangerous to play there!

yeah, don't fancy hooker and I wouldn't have the experience.

EpiphoneSpecial wrote: »

just to ad, J4/J5 is a really mixed bunch of shapes and sizes, i wouldn't be too worried about finding a position, you'll soon figure it out after training for a few weeks.

yeah, you're probably right. I just think that perhaps height is against me for most positions.