Congratulations! Nice one indeed. I've no advice, having never actually been on field. But training is tough, so attend religiously, practice ball handling often, and volunteer at your club
this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2026
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I commend you for wanting to start so late on. Suffice to say, you need to get used to the hits and the contact especially if you intend to play competitively. I've met many people who take up rugby relatively late on, get properly hit and just sack it off and never play again. For your experience and size, I'd suggest trying as a blind side flanker (in the pack but away from the direction play when in scrums). Its a relatively simple position in that your job is to support your ball carrier and tackle the opposition when they have it. Support and tackle, thats all you do. Some of the best flankers of all time (Neil Back, Phil Waugh) were smaller guys, though the game has come a long way since them. The hits though, they can be a real shock to the system. Don't dip out of the contact sessions in training, hit tackle bags, run into people with the ball. Go in 100% because otherwise you'll end up hurting yourself! It is certainly a mindset. Just ask your training buddies for help too. Doesn't matter how fit you are. If you can't take the physicality of the game, you'll fail.
You’re about the same age and weight as me. I would say for adult amateur rugby, cardio conditioning matters a lot more than strength. Rugby is an endurance sport and it is much easier/more fun when you’re fit. There’s a surprising amount of people in my league that neglect cardio. So, endurance stuff like jogging, cycling, swimming etc. are great. Also interval training.
For the times you do lift, focus on legs and glutes. So many of the injuries and penalties in my league come from people’s legs getting tired and they don’t squat down far enough to tackle with good form.
For learning the rules, watching the pros play on TV is great because the ref is usually mic’d up. Anytime they say something you don’t recognize or understand, google it. You’ll learn the bulk of what you need to know in just a couple games.
Have fun! Rugby changed my life for the better in so many ways
This is awesome advice, I appreciate it! Definitely feeling the lack of strength in my legs and I need to work on squats and back shape.
I don’t know if you are based in the US, but I need to figure out where I can watch some professional games on TV. We usually get the Six Nations, but outside of that I might need to look further afield.
Your last comment was inspiring AF, I’m hurting today, but it felt good to meet some people and move my body.
Did you struggle with imposter syndrome or embarrassment when you first started? I definitely felt like I was bumbling around last night and had to tap out a few times.
Did you struggle with imposter syndrome or embarrassment when you first started?
Honestly, your first 2 or 3 games are gonna be rough, especially on offense. You’re gonna constantly be confused about where to stand, you’re gonna be stepping on people’s feet, and the scrum half is gonna constantly be yelling at you to move out of the way - don’t take any of it personally, and don’t be embarrassed because everyone you’re playing with was in the exact same situation when they started playing. It will click eventually, don’t worry.