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So.. I briefly commented to a buddy of mine that I'd thought about joining the rugby team in the spring.

Instead of telling me I needed to work out harder, or more, or lose weight, or improve my cardio fitness instead his response was "You're too old to play rugby. Forget it."

Now, this sort of catalyzed me. Now im DETERMINED to play rugby. I turned 33 yesterday. That shouldn't be "too old" for anything!

Would love to hear from the ruggers out there... what do yall think?

Not a rugger here, but I know some that have started in their 40's. If you never started new things, you'd be really stale.

just play against guys who are older than you...

I played rugby for a little while several years ago...it was rough then. I dont want to play it now...lol.

You can try it and see for yourself.

I played from 1996 until 2001 and tried to resume earlier this year. I think I only played 20 minutes and have taken another break. I would still like to play again, but recovery is a bitch in your 30s and older.

I hope that isnt the case. I have never played rugby but am interested in playing. I even was looking at local leagues. I am just worried that an leg injury would prevent me from my running schedule.

Give it a go! Make sure you know your body's limits! How competitive is it? Determine it by that. I played rugby my whole life and varsity in college. It's definitely demanding.

jeepdave75 saidSo.. I briefly commented to a buddy of mine that I'd thought about joining the rugby team in the spring.

Instead of telling me I needed to work out harder, or more, or lose weight, or improve my cardio fitness instead his response was "You're too old to play rugby. Forget it."

Now, this sort of catalyzed me. Now im DETERMINED to play rugby. I turned 33 yesterday. That shouldn't be "too old" for anything!

Would love to hear from the ruggers out there... what do yall think?

GO FOR IT...GO FOR IT.......DO IT!!!!!

jeepdave75 saidSo.. I briefly commented to a buddy of mine that I'd thought about joining the rugby team in the spring.

Instead of telling me I needed to work out harder, or more, or lose weight, or improve my cardio fitness instead his response was "You're too old to play rugby. Forget it."

Now, this sort of catalyzed me. Now im DETERMINED to play rugby. I turned 33 yesterday. That shouldn't be "too old" for anything!

Would love to hear from the ruggers out there... what do yall think?

Age is just a number. As long as you're in shape and don't mind taking a beating, you should be fine

collegefratboy saidGive it a go! Make sure you know your body's limits! How competitive is it? Determine it by that. I played rugby my whole life and varsity in college. It's definitely demanding.

I just started dating a captian of a local rugby team....great guy...competitive....smart....sweet.. he's great.....so is the sex.

Ive been playin since I was 8 years old. In my team, I still have players that are in their 30's playin so, physically, if u r up 4 the effort and compromise, go for it. As for possible injuries, getting injured doesnt matter what age u r, Its just that if u r older, u get injured more easily and also u take more time to recover.
Now, as for the game, alot of people that have never played rugby think that playing rugby is easy, well, its not. that might be an area where u might have more difficulty adapting. Id advice u to watch as much rugby as u can and ask as many questions as u can. This game is about determination, u if doubt one sec what u r doing, u r in deep trouble.
to finish, I dont think anyone is in titled 2 say that u cant play, its up to u to make that decision. if u had a serious history of medical interventions or was very over weight, thats one thing. But, if not, go for it, try it out and see what happens.

Im 38 and still playing. The injuries get harder to recover from, definitely (and believe me, you WILL get sore playing rugger)

But I say GO FOR IT!!

I started when I was 33 and it put me in the best shape of my life (even with all that beer). I played until I turned 38 this past fall, then actually got in even better shape after I stopped playing (for career), so I'm pretty sure I could go at least a couple more years. On my last team about a third were over 30, 10% of the guys were over 40, and two guys were over 50. They could bring it too...play the full 80 minutes. Stretching is an important key.

Go get 'em!

I've also been thinking of joining our local gay rugby team, I haven't played rugby or even american football before, the most full-contact sport I have experience with is broomball, any advice from the seasoned rugby players on what I can do to prepare (i.e. work-out modifications or tips) for my first game?

tommysguns2000 saidjust play against guys who are older than you...

I played rugby for a little while several years ago...it was rough then. I dont want to play it now...lol.

I agree, Rugby's not for sissies (and you don't look like one ) I played up to the age of 21 and then stopped cos I was feeling to old .. LOL...

There's nothing like the feeling of having a cold one after the game with the guys you just played with though, completely knackered and tired and bruised and sore. I miss that, but I wouldn't play again.. lol... I already lost one tooth, wanna keep my winning smile..

Okay... so, I started hitting the rugby practices.

Fucking. Awesome.

Oh my god, I've never been more tired, or sore, or sweaty in my LIFE! But its the BEST tired sore and sweaty ive ever experienced. I might not be QUITE fit enough just yet... but oof, you wanna get in shape fast? Play rugby.

Fortunately, they separated out the rookies from the vets for thefirst several weeks, so I havent gotten beat up too terribly bad. A couple bruises (which I'll admit I've been showing off proudly to anyone who'll look at em!) and a bobbled brain pan is all I've suffered so far. One more rookie practice then we start playin with the big boys... I cant wait!

The moral of the story: Dont ever let someone tell ya what you CANT do.

that's brilliant ... keep it up If u happen to play lock or any of the tight 5 def consider getting a scrum cap.

jeepdave75 saidOkay... so, I started hitting the rugby practices.

Fucking. Awesome.

Oh my god, I've never been more tired, or sore, or sweaty in my LIFE! But its the BEST tired sore and sweaty ive ever experienced. I might not be QUITE fit enough just yet... but oof, you wanna get in shape fast? Play rugby.

Fortunately, they separated out the rookies from the vets for thefirst several weeks, so I havent gotten beat up too terribly bad. A couple bruises (which I'll admit I've been showing off proudly to anyone who'll look at em!) and a bobbled brain pan is all I've suffered so far. One more rookie practice then we start playin with the big boys... I cant wait!

The moral of the story: Dont ever let someone tell ya what you CANT do.

Keep us posted! Great job diving into it.

I find that when playing with inexperienced guys, you really have to watch out for injuries. Sloppy or wrong technique can put the player as well as his immediate opponent at risk for injury. It's a funny thing...the experienced guys hit a lot harder and faster, but create fewer injuries for themselves and others compared to guys who hit softer and with poor technique. And remember...*you* define the contact, not the other guy.

Tackle below the waste, lead with the shoulder, fall on your upper arm (never hand or elbow) and all that. Have fun!