Rugby stands out as a sport that offers a refreshing break from the ordinary and encourages physical engagement, teamwork, and personal growth. It’s more than just a game — it’s a tradition steeped in history and strategy. Rugby has many benefits, impacting players’ physical health, mental resilience, and social bonds in meaningful ways.
“Rugby is a sport that creates unity and dedication,” Federico Pombo said. “On the field, you learn to push your limits, trust your teammates, and overcome challenges together, creating bonds that last a lifetime.”
Physically, rugby is renowned for its rigorous demands which contribute to significant fitness benefits. The sport requires a combination of strength, speed, and endurance, making it a good workout for the entire body.
“Rugby helped me perform better in football with a lot of running and strength workouts so it is a way to [work on] power and [speed by] running increasing overall fitness,” former football player Felipe Savino said.
According to Savino, playing rugby improved his football performance through enhanced running and tackling skills, helping him build power and overall fitness. Rugby isn’t just a test of physical strength, it’s also a mental battle. The sport fosters several psychological benefits that are invaluable both on and off the field. Overcoming challenges on the pitch can significantly boost a player’s self-confidence and sense of achievement.
“The physical exertion and team spirit provide a perfect outlet for stress, contributing to better mental health and well-being,” Pombo said. “Moreover, rugby teaches players to push through hardships and setbacks, fostering resilience and discipline that can be applied to all areas of life.”
While highlighting the benefits of rugby is important, it is equally crucial not to overlook safety and proper technique.
“Rugby actually improved my technique when tackling,” Savino said. “It helped me with better positioning, and while playing defense, it’s a better way to not get injured and get good tackles in.”
Socially, rugby introduces players to new connections, opening doors to colleges and clubs. The sport’s environment fosters excellent networking opportunities.
“One particular thing I like about rugby is the people in that environment: they have an excellent culture,” Pombo said. “When you get to meet these kinds of people, it’s perfect networking… You get to meet coaches from different universities and gain opportunities to play at the college level. It’s one step closer to professional rugby.”
Pombo pointed out that rugby, as an off-season sport for football, offers numerous benefits like improving spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. He emphasized that the sport’s quicker and more dynamic nature requires players to stay highly alert. The teamwork dynamics in rugby are unique compared to other team sports, as everyone on the team is on the field at the same time.
“Rugby is a sport of teams, so you have to have good teammates and a good team spirit,” Savino said. “It’s a great physical demand for everybody because we all have to run, we all have to tackle in the same way, and we all get the ball at some point. So, we all have to be great enough.”
Rugby requires teamwork and a strong team spirit because everyone needs to run, tackle, and handle the ball. This unique structure means that teamwork and chemistry are crucial for success, as all players, regardless of their position, share these responsibilities.
“Teamwork in rugby is different,” Pombo said. “In rugby, it’s one whole team with divisions between backs and forwards, but everyone runs with the ball, passes the ball, and many people get to kick the ball. Teamwork and chemistry are essential to success on the field.”
Rugby is not only a sport that enhances physical and mental well-being but also a medium that creates lasting friendships and invaluable life skills.
“Rugby is a sport that creates unity and dedication,” Pombo said. “On the field, you learn to push your limits, trust your teammates, and overcome challenges together, creating bonds that last a lifetime.”
