Rugby - New Zealand's Gem, Haka!

If you do not like Rugby, find it violent, find it slow, find it dangerous, or it does not appeal to you because you simply cannot play it due to age, experience, mobility level, or will not play it because it simply does not appeal to you...think again.

Courtesy of: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Rugby.jpg

 

I have never played Rugby. But, 7's (Rugby 7-on-7) entertains me. Even a full rubgy match is entertaining. Have you seen the movie, Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon? Do you know about the "All Blacks"? Have you ever been to New Zealand? Most of us can probably answer "yes" to the first question. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national rugby union team, and they are very successful in winning the Rugby World Cup. Highly known for their intimidating pre-game ritual, the Haka War Dance, the All Blacks have been successful since their first game back in 1884.

But, it is not all about the All Blacks and the sports of rugby as New Zealand's national sport - picture the United States and American football. Well, that is rugby to native Kiwis. Remember the utterances mentioned in the beginning of this post based on opinions about Rugby: the sport is very intense and very popular at all levels. It is a sport, whereas, you do not have to play it to enjoy it. However, you can enjoy its fierceness in preparation and in competition. Everyone undergoes some kind of competition on a daily basis. I have mentioned it in the past, but sports offer an immense glimpse into overcoming adversity and rising to the occasion. Hey, I am not a zealous proponent of golf. But, I respect the amount of mental imagery and mental strength that golf encompasses.

In rugby, a player must have trust and communication with his teammate; otherwise, the turf will taste a little sour when he is tackled. How true is this phenomenon with health and fitness struggles and successes?

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS        TEEM Performance Training           www.teempt.com