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Any advice for an aspiring rugby union player for uni?

I'm looking to get into rugby union at uni, no clue what position suits me. I'm 5 foot 8, 74kgish (weighed when fasted) and currently mid bulk. I'm not quick enough for wings and not good enough kicker for either of half backs. Not heavy enough to play any forward position imo. Any advice at all for anything? Like what position might I suit, any tips for on the pitch stuff etc. It would be much appreciated, thankyou.
I guess you should practice your kicking, as this is the easiest one to get better at, whereas getting faster may require way more effort per 0.1 second increase. So yea just do that and play fly i guess.
You could fancy your chances in at hooker - weight isn't everything unless you're playing proper seriously. Provided your set-piece work is good and you're good in the loose (Tackling, hitting rucks, carrying etc) you'd fit in fine imo.
If you're new to the game, however, most coaches will just stick you on the wing for the time being.
In terms of on the pitch stuff, make your tackles (Go low, keep your head on the right side and drive your legs), don't drop the ball, listen to your teammates and (Most importantly imo) don't be afraid of going into contact. The first hit is always tough to get your head around, but after that it'll become second nature.
Hope this helps
Reply 3
Avatar for Compost
Compost
19
University teams seem (in my limited experience) to find it harder to find front row than backs so I'd suggest considering hooker.
I'd be like the smallest hooker ever😂 I swear Sinckler and George (2 of England's top forwards) weigh well over 100kg? But tbf I guess it's worth having a go, ive got a time advantage. After my exams I may buy a rugby ball and just practice different things at the local park or field. Thanks
are you going to Loughborough
Original post by benwhite13
are you going to Loughborough

No I'm going to Derby
Original post by Paulsmith123
I'd be like the smallest hooker ever😂 I swear Sinckler and George (2 of England's top forwards) weigh well over 100kg? But tbf I guess it's worth having a go, ive got a time advantage. After my exams I may buy a rugby ball and just practice different things at the local park or field. Thanks

You say that, but current England coach Eddie Jones is the same height as you and was a hooker. Your weight could only really set you back in scrums and rucks, both of which are arguably more reliant on skill.
Unless you plan on playing really seriously (1st, 2nd XV) weight matters little provided you know what you're doing (And you're not ridiculously small, which you're not).
Original post by RockFlagandEagle
You say that, but current England coach Eddie Jones is the same height as you and was a hooker. Your weight could only really set you back in scrums and rucks, both of which are arguably more reliant on skill.
Unless you plan on playing really seriously (1st, 2nd XV) weight matters little provided you know what you're doing (And you're not ridiculously small, which you're not).

Yeah that's a very good point :smile:
Original post by Compost
University teams seem (in my limited experience) to find it harder to find front row than backs so I'd suggest considering hooker.

I've never thought of it that way.
Reply 10
Avatar for Molseh
Molseh
19
Full back. Just be dependable under the high ball and practice giving it a big boot, no finesse needed.
Original post by Molseh
Full back. Just be dependable under the high ball and practice giving it a big boot, no finesse needed.

Yeah but fullback plays a lot of pressure and are usually the last line of defence. Sounds like a bit of a mistake to play a rookie in such an important position tbh
I'll take all of this into consideration. I'll do some research for the skills for each of the positions and get practicing when possible. Based on my own research centre seems like it could be an alright option. Many varying sizes of player play outside centre (think Manu Tuilagi vs Elliot Daly)
Original post by Paulsmith123
I've never thought of it that way.


One of my sons had been captain of his school team, played for his county for several years but couldn't get past the 4ths in his first year at university as a winger. His friend who had occasionally turned out for the school, generally in the seconds, went straight into the 3rds as a prop as they had no volunteers to play front row.
Original post by Compost
One of my sons had been captain of his school team, played for his county for several years but couldn't get past the 4ths in his first year at university as a winger. His friend who had occasionally turned out for the school, generally in the seconds, went straight into the 3rds as a prop as they had no volunteers to play front row.


Yeah that's an interesting story. I'm just thinking long term. If I'm good enough at rugby union and enjoy it, I want to continue with it after university. I feel that if I'm not the right size to play front row after uni then I may not get into a team because I won't have specialised in a more suitable area.
Original post by RockFlagandEagle
You say that, but current England coach Eddie Jones is the same height as you and was a hooker. Your weight could only really set you back in scrums and rucks, both of which are arguably more reliant on skill.
Unless you plan on playing really seriously (1st, 2nd XV) weight matters little provided you know what you're doing (And you're not ridiculously small, which you're not).


Original post by Compost
University teams seem (in my limited experience) to find it harder to find front row than backs so I'd suggest considering hooker.

Could I make up for my lack of mass with strength? I'm not the strongest but definately not the weakest person ever. I've squatted 150kg and deadlifted 180kg so maybe this can help in scrums, rucks and mauls etc.
Original post by Paulsmith123
Yeah that's an interesting story. I'm just thinking long term. If I'm good enough at rugby union and enjoy it, I want to continue with it after university. I feel that if I'm not the right size to play front row after uni then I may not get into a team because I won't have specialised in a more suitable area.


Don't dismiss it out of hand. You may feel you'd prefer being in the backs but the competition will be fiercer. There are plenty of hookers who are 5'8" and under at the sociable end of the game, not to mention Harry Thacker who plays for Bristol in the premiership. If you can survive in the scrum there is a real advantage for a team to having a mobile hooker with good ball skills.
Original post by Compost
Don't dismiss it out of hand. You may feel you'd prefer being in the backs but the competition will be fiercer. There are plenty of hookers who are 5'8" and under at the sociable end of the game, not to mention Harry Thacker who plays for Bristol in the premiership. If you can survive in the scrum there is a real advantage for a team to having a mobile hooker with good ball skills.

Another good point. I suppose at uni I'll most likely be in the 3rd team at best, so 3 years to gain around 20+kg to play front row seems reasonable, especially given that I'm only in my 3rd year of lifting and only 17

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