"What is rugby, and why is it so popular?" you ask.
Well, the sport of rugby originated in 1823 at the Rugby School
in Warwickshire, England. The game was taken up and modified
by other schools and universities in England, and it's modern
form dates back to the 1860's. Today, rugby is played in more
than 100 countries, including Australia, England, Fiji, France,
Italy, New Zealand, and South America. |
|
A rugby team consists of fifteen players: eight forwards,
and seven backs. The game consists of two forty minute halves,
equaling eighty minutes of playing time. The rugby play begins
with a kick off and can be followed by a scrum, wherein a tight
five formation of forwards binds up from each team to push against
the opposing team, while trying to hook the ball with their feet
and push it backwards out of the scrum. When the ball is in play,
the backs run down the field passing it to each other, attempting
to score a try over the opponent's goal line.
When I first heard an announcement for the girls rugby team,
I thought I was a sure candidate. I'm tough and mean. However,
I was quite wrong.
In order to play rugby you should be athletic because the
sport requires a fair amount of physical strength, skill, and
endurance, as well as quick thinking. The game involves a lot
of contact, which, when done properly, is very helpful in gaining
possession of the ball. Yes, it is fun. A lot of fun. You've
never seen great tackles until you've watched a rugby game.
In closing, when asked, five out of five girls said that they
enjoyed being muddy, thanks to the D.H.S. field. |