Can I Play Rugby at 5'7" and 125 lbs? - Rugby Club Advice

Question
I'm a senior in high school and wish to join the local rugby club.  I have no experience and I'm 5'7" and about 125 pounds.  I'm athletic, but am I big enough to play?

Answer
Steve,

Rugby is a wonderful sport since it is one of the few that actually requires players of all sorts of sizes and physical builds.  There are fifteen players on the team.  While the stereotype of the rugby player is the short, stubby, fire plug, type of individual with no neck, only at two positions on the team are those physical attributes beneficial.

Large players initially will have an advantage in rugby.  Many of these large rugby players take their size and strength so for granted that learning proper technique is not a concern.  Good technique is as, if not often more, important as pure physical size or strength.  This means the ability to apply correct technique to maximize strength

Many of the basic skills of a rugby player do not require size, but skill, such as passing, running, kicking, and  tackling.

It is important that your physical attributes that include size, strength, agility, and quickness are properly matched to the proper position.  Based on your decision I would not tend to put you in as a front row prop, but say you were a former wrestler, I would consider you for a hooker.

You are not too small to play rugby.

Good luck,

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart