Is rugby too macho?

[Anonymous]

A good neighborhood friend has her boys in local rugby leagues. She’s been trying to convince me to get DS into it too.

I have zero background with this sport. And I have some doubts. I guess beyond the lack of helmets thing (I mean, CTE is real), doesn’t rugby just give off a, sort of toxic masculinity vide?

[Anonymous]

DH played in college. He’s still close to many of his teammates, and they’re very supportive of one another. When we started dating, they were really kind and welcoming to me, and being part of DH’s “rugby family” was part of the charm in our early relationship. Yes, there were raunchy songs and tales of debauchery, but it was about camaraderie and not a hazing thing.

[Anonymous]

Only when people go Red Ross

[Anonymous]

No, the issue with rugby is concussions and neck injuries. It isn't that the people who play are too macho. The rugby culture is actually nicer than many other sports.

[Anonymous]

The no pads/helmets leads to less leading with the head when tackling, and high tackles are a penalty, so there are less concussions than in football.

Yes it’s a rough sport, but there is a position for everyone. Big kids play as forwards, small fast kids outside, etc. and to see a 12 year old kid play through a bloody nose…in his world he is a bad dude and king of the world and can accomplish anything.

There is a saying; “soccer is a gentleman’s game played by thugs, rugby is a thugs game played by gentlemen.” My kid played 3 seasons at a youth rugby club and his club, and all the ones he played against, were coached by people doing it for the love of the sport and its culture. They’ll teach your kid sportsmanship and teamwork like no other youth sport. Go for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH played in college. He’s still close to many of his teammates, and they’re very supportive of one another. When we started dating, they were really kind and welcoming to me, and being part of DH’s “rugby family” was part of the charm in our early relationship. Yes, there were raunchy songs and tales of debauchery, but it was about camaraderie and not a hazing thing.

This has been my experience from the periphery of rugby culture as well. Well, that and the DC adult rugby scene is gayer than the average population, but that's probably not true at the youth level.

[Anonymous]

No, rugby is great. Significantly better experience than with hockey.

[Anonymous]

I'd would strike while the iron is hot. It will take some time to embrace the game, but I'd bet that after some time, you will be very happy with the decision.

[Anonymous]

I've been thinking about this as well for my son. We have similar concerns about CTE and "macho" culture. But, my son LOVES flag football. He's just not very good with catching deep passes and that frustrates him, so I'm wondering if rugby's short underhand pass will work better for him.

[Anonymous]

Rugby, IMO, is a far better culture than football and lacrosse.

[Anonymous]

Traumatic Brain Injuries followed by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a specific form of early onset dementia.

Macho is not what you should be worrying about, OP. This isn't about "vibes". It's about very real medical problems your children could develop as adults from years of playing rugby as children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A good neighborhood friend has her boys in local rugby leagues. She’s been trying to convince me to get DS into it too.

I have zero background with this sport. And I have some doubts. I guess beyond the lack of helmets thing (I mean, CTE is real), doesn’t rugby just give off a, sort of toxic masculinity vide?

The lack of helmets actually makes rugby safer. Helmets contribute to CTE. In rugby they teach them how to tackle properly. No leading with the head/helmet to helmet contact, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The no pads/helmets leads to less leading with the head when tackling, and high tackles are a penalty, so there are less concussions than in football.

Yes it’s a rough sport, but there is a position for everyone. Big kids play as forwards, small fast kids outside, etc. and to see a 12 year old kid play through a bloody nose…in his world he is a bad dude and king of the world and can accomplish anything.

There is a saying; “soccer is a gentleman’s game played by thugs, rugby is a thugs game played by gentlemen.” My kid played 3 seasons at a youth rugby club and his club, and all the ones he played against, were coached by people doing it for the love of the sport and its culture. They’ll teach your kid sportsmanship and teamwork like no other youth sport. Go for it.

Soccer players are also drama queens and wimps. They'll writhe on the ground like little sorry beootches trying to draw a foul. Rugby players will plug up their bloody nose and wipe off the gash on their forehead and carry on. They are also built better. Soccer is for wimps. Rugby is for badasses.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think it’s macho at all. In terms of atmosphere and culture, rugby players have always been some of the friendliest, warmest athletes I know. Lots less ego than football, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, etc.

I’m actually trying hard to think of a similarly decent group of athletes. Rowers are maybe similar but more arrogant, and runners are a bit too self-involved. So…rugby for the win.

[Anonymous]

Agree with others that I’ve actually found the culture to be lovely among those I know who’ve played (men and women).

Was very surprised to learn years ago that in some European countries, at least, soccer is considered low class, rugby is the posh version.