Rugby players stress physical, mental preparation

By Anthony Lanza
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Strength, intimidation, and determination are just a few things that a player on the men's rugby team must exhibit in order to win every time they set foot on the field, according to team members.

"Spectators who witness this [intensity] find themselves compelled to watch the actions taken to win against the opposing team," said Rick Merced, 20, an accounting and management major from New York.

As with many other sports, violence and injuries are just two aspects of rugby.

"Basically it's football without pads," Merced said. "You will find bruises and broken bones at some point in the game."

Despite the danger, players appear to focus on the positives.

"Every position is important, and every player is needed. This is a sport that promotes a high level of teamwork," said Timothy Morely, 20, a sophomore criminal justice major from Marblehead, Mass.

Players stress the importance of eating right and staying in good physical condition due to the high physical demands of the sport.

Matthew Converse, 19, a sophomore criminal justice major from Rochester, N.Y., explained that it is very important for the players to lift weights in the gym because it gives Norwich players an edge in strength.

"[Eating right] gives you the right energy, because it is an eighty minute game," Converse said. "Any kind of healthy food you put in your body will help you to last longer."

Along with eating healthy, players have many different things they do to get themselves mentally prepared for an upcoming game.

"Some guys yell really loud while others sleep or listen to music," said Matthew Ranani, 19, a sophomore criminal justice major from Mt. Kisco, N.Y. "It is important to put yourself in a good mental state of mind."

Physical size is not as big a factor in rugby as one might think.

"If you know how to hit someone, you will be able to take them down," Morley said. "It's more of a mental size and wanting to hit the other player."

Similarly, many players resort to playing psychological games with the opposing team in an effort to use intimidation as an edge. Sometimes the Norwich players like to make a few wisecracks while on the field, because "it helps to get your mind into the game," Merced said.

"Before a game, we all huddle up and chant," Converse said. "Anything you can do to make the other team nervous."

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