A new season doesn’t begin with a kickoff— it starts in the cold, the dark, and the grind some may not see. The rugby team is currently in the winter training phase before the season starts, so while they train for another season of physical, intense action, the curtains get pulled back to see what the team’s all about— from culture to skills vital to playing, to even a background of some of the players on the team.

To have a successful season as a team, team culture being positive is a big factor, according to players on the high school level team, junior Michael Reed and senior Jaiden Newland.

“Most of the time, everyone is very uplifting and supportive, but when we get into scrimmages, things are said sometimes, but it’s never meant to hurt feelings, and people always say sorry,” Reed said.

“Everyone is really positive, [so it gets you] in a really positive mindset,” Newland adds.

Newland goes into more detail about mindset and having mental strength, even during stress.

“Having mental strength is important,” Newland said. “I handle the pressure by just taking a second to breathe and relax, and then going from there and taking the matter into my own hands.”

As well as mental strength, physical abilities, and skills, these could also be good attributes to have for rugby, especially since the sport has such a reputation for being on the more physical side.

“The skills I feel are most important are balance and hand-eye coordination, both of which you can train,” Reed said.

Newland adds that having overall strength is an important attribute to have or to work on.

“I feel like the most important thing in rugby is having a good background in wrestling or football, it’s really a combination of both,” Newland said, “but you tell the people that have done football and or wrestling from the people that haven’t.”

For those interested in trying rugby as a fun hobby or to meet new people, it could be the hobby for you as well.

“The thing I enjoy most about the team is being able to connect with new people and build relationships with people I didn’t think I would,” Newland said.

The team doesn’t require any experience to try out, so anyone could try the sport out for themselves.

“I would tell other people to come try it out. It’s not really a sport for everyone,” Reed said. “It’s very hard and physical, but try it before you jump into it and buy gear.”

With the new season approaching, Reed also adds a few reassuring words to those looking to potentially try it out for the first time.

“Keep doing what you’re doing,” Reed said, “the sport takes some time.”