Beginner Advice?

N0CARSGO

I'm just gone 17 and in 6th year at the moment and was considering looking for a team to join. I know it's a late age to take up the sport but I've always had an interest in it. I played football locally for 7 years but haven't played for two. I jog regularly however so my fitness is okay.
Unfortunately I'm also quite short and skinny but faster than most people my age. I was wondering is there way to start off or would I need to be heavier? And also I wouldn't want to join a team without having some skill so was wondering how I could practice alone or with friends to reach a standard good enough to join a local club. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

irishbucsfan

Honestly just get in touch with a local club and they'll help you 100%.

You're not that young at all to take it up. Don't worry about that.

Off season is coming up so in a perfect scenario a local club will be running some touch rugby etc. Throughout the summer that you can head along to and that would be a great place to start.

Grimebox

John Hayes took the game up when he was 18. You are never too young

durkadurka

England out half from the 90's Paul Grayson took it up at 18 and played for England at 22.

N0CARSGO

Thanks a lot everyone! Just knew that sports get harder to take up as we get older but I'll definitely give it a go.

SQ2

N0CARSGO wrote: »

Thanks a lot everyone! Just knew that sports get harder to take up as we get older but I'll definitely give it a go.

I seen someone take it up at 34... God he was awful!
Seriously though, you're def not too young, you've years ahead of you! Try get some tag in over the summer if you can also

Madworld

New player and skinny. You'll be out on the wing!

locum-motion

The Tag Rugby suggestion is a good one; it will get you used to handling the ball.

Once August comes around, make sure you get out to pre-season training with your local club. At that point in time, if you're still young enough (I'm not sure what the cut-off date is these days) then you'll probably be given a shot on their U18's. Unless they're very short on players you're unlikely to get a starting slot on the team at first, but don't let that worry you. Just make sure that they give you a run out at some point. Once you've had a few 'last quarters', then you should - if you prove to be good enough - get a chance on the starting XV.

From what you said, I'd say your initial few matches will be as a winger. As you get to know the game, and depending on what aptitudes you show, you can try other positions.

If you don't have a rugby ball already, go and buy one. Take it down the park, and start kicking it - from the hand, off the ground, drop kicks. Get to know how the ball flies. And how it bounces. The bounce of a rugby ball isn't quite as random as you might think.
If you've got a friend that's interested, take him with you and pass to each other. Over and over again, and off both hands.

.ak

When you start playing ask someone to show you how to pass off your left. This did my head in when I first started... :mad:

KERSPLAT!

Definitely not too late, I only started playing when I was 23. I just turned up at training one night with gum shield and boots and away I went. Coaches and players were great and helped me along with tackling etc.

As the lads said above, this is a great time of year to start. Most clubs play tag or touch rugby in the off season and this will help you with handling and positioning for when the season kicks off. My club usually starts preseason about 8-10 weeks before league kicks off so you'll be plenty ready if you put the work in

In regards to size, theres a place for almost anyone on a rugby team, your coach will know where to put you

ormond lad

Never too late to start.
Where are you based? Do you have the choice of clubs to join or is there only 1 club locally.
Get a rugby ball and spend as much time as you can passing the ball either on your own or with somebody.
Get a ball and practice spinning it up into air. Aim to increase the height you can throw the ball each week
As already mentioned with tag leagues starting up in next few weeks now is a great time to start
As you are just gone 17 you will be underage for u18/19(age groups could be changing for next season)
No you will not need to be heavier. No need at all

GiftofGab

You'll be perfectly fine. 17 is still young. Most rugby teams at the lower levels consist obese mid 30's guys struggling to hold onto their rugby career. A young fit 17 year old will run rings around them.

Tag rugby is a great start. Def get involved in this.

Make sure you attend every team training. Don't be afraid to get stuck in - either in tackling or getting tackled. If you can get over the fear of bumps and bruises you'll do great.

You're weight might hold you back a bit (though I've seen some very small and skinny lads play some top level rugby). If you're putting on weight look into do some weight training too as well as getting a clean healthy diet.

Oh get yourself a rugby ball for your home. Practice spinning it up in the air with both hands. Its a good way of just getting used to handling skills.

Don't worry, every year there's lads in the mid 20's joining rugby teams. You wont be alone and it'll be one of the best decisions you'll every make.