The Rugby Season Doesn't Start in February. It Starts in August.

Disclaimer: This post can be relevant to whatever season you do or don't play your rugby in.)

It's July, which means August is almost here. August means the start of the Fall sports season. This blog post will advocate for rugby players to participate in a Fall sport to accelerate their rugby development. Yes, you should participate in a Fall sport to become a better rugby player.

Rugby rewards athleticism first, and no single sport or private training can deliver the following:

• change of direction

• contact confidence

• hand-eye coordination

• decision making

• aerobic fitness

• resilience

But the primary reason you should be participating in another sport ahead of your rugby season is that being a multi-sport athlete is better for you than specializing.

Why? Here are the top 3 reasons:

1. Reduction in injury. By participating in other sports, you are developing and working different muscle groups. This helps reduce the potential risk of overuse injuries.

2. Reduces the likelihood of burnout: The goal isn't to survive a support; it's to create a love for it so you participate in it for a lifetime. Research consistently shows that early specialization leads to reduced participation or the athlete leaving the sport altogether.

3. Advantage in long-term development: Research with professional athletes shows that being a multi-sport athlete is associated with better long-term health and athletic development.

Recruitment: What College Coaches Want

This is often missed by student-athletes and their support network. College coaches are looking for athletes. A good wrestler can learn to pass, an explosive linebacker can learn to ruck, a basketball center can learn the lineout, and a soccer player can learn to tackle. Teaching athleticism is much harder than teaching skills.

Participating in other sports makes you a more valuable recruit to college coaches. Celebrate and promote your diverse sporting background to help advocate for your talents.

Ok, so you are excited to play a Fall sport, that is great! Here is an incomplete list of what each position group should do in the Fall to support their long-term development.

Front Row

• Football/Flag football

• Wrestling

• Strength training

• Golf

• Swimming
  

Locks

• Basketball

• Volleyball

• Football/ Flag football

• Swimming
  

Back Row

• Football/Flag football

• Wrestling

• Cross Country

• Basketball

• Swimming

• Volleyball
  

Scrumhalf

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Wrestling

• Football/Flag football

• Swimming
  

Midfield

• Football/Flag football

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Wrestling

• Swimming
  

Outside Backs

• Track

• Soccer

• Football/flag football

• Wrestling

• Swimming

What Each Sport Brings to Your Athletic Development

As we close this blog post, let's address the counter-argument of "But if I don't play rugby, won't I fall behind?" The short, direct answer is no, not really. High school seasons are so short that participating in multiple sports at a young age will only strengthen your athleticism. If you specialize in only playing rugby, there is a likelihood that you hit your developmental ceiling below what it could be. I hope you now consider playing a Fall sport as you pursue your rugby later this year. We are rooting for you to be a better, more robust athlete, and we hope this blog has helped you commit to doing that!