Here you'll find a humorous, slightly sarcastic, but fun-fact packed "Rookie Primer" that will go over the basics of Rugby as a sport.  Don't be intimidated and don't worry if you don't understand any of it.  The best, and probably only, way to learn rugby is to get out there and play!  This will, however, prepare you for some stuff you'll get to do in practice, as well as some terminology, Rugby history, and a bit about the world-wide family that is part of being a rugger.   The rookie primer is used by many clubs, but the particular one we're linking to is hosted by the Harvard women's team. Read the first chapter here then follow the link to the rest of the primer.

Chapter 1 - Rugby? Wha…?

Rugby is a sport, a passion, a disease you catch. They'll tell you it's a cross between soccer and football, but that doesn't REALLY prepare you. Rugby is its own backasswards self. There is NOTHING like it on or off the field.

Some sports historians put forth the theory that in the olden days it was considered amusement for one town to try and carry a somewhat startled young pig to another town's village square. They would employ various methods of dodging, dashing, passing, or just plowing through en masse to achieve this. These primitive contests became refined over time and emerged as rugby, soccer, football, etc. To the casual observer, rugby seems remarkably close to its roots.

There is also the worn-out legend of William Webb Ellis, who one day during a soccer match at Rugby School in England, decided to pick up the ball and run with it. Our own research has shown that the kid's name was really Wilma and it was her ball. She was merely trying to make a point on the rampant sexism and provincial attitudes of that particular institution; besides, her mom was calling.

Wherever it came from, today's rugby is, at its best, a blend of strategy, strength, speed, and instinct. At its least, it is organized and glorious mayhem. The object is to, by carrying, passing, and kicking the ball, score more points than the other team. Simple enough . . .

Click Here for the rest of the Rookie Primer

Contact: URWomensRugby@gmail.com