Playing and training for rugby: Tips?

kassiebby1124

Hello! I've never posted here, haha. Well, I have a question. I'm joining my school's women's rugby team (super duper excited). For anyone who has played it, can you:
1: Share your personal experiences and your opinion on it
2: Is it good for fat loss/fitness/weight loss (lol I know these are all different things)
3: How you trained outside of practice?

My goal isn't to technically "get fit" from the sport alone, haha. I lift 3x a week following All Pro's and do cardio daily. I just figured combined with what I currently do, it would aid in losing more, lol. I'm excited to play this.
Lastly, how big is the risk of injury? (I know that any and every sport or activity has a risk of injury when not done properly), HONESTLY, my biggest concern is about my teeth. I had braces for a while so my mom doesn't want me to lose any, lol. I will be investing in a mouth guard (:

Thanks so much (:

-Kassie

kassiebby1124

Bump x:

lawkat

What position are you going to play? That can make a difference in what you should focus on. if you are on the line, then you should work on your running and sprints. If you are in the pack, then also work on some running but also incorporate more weight training. I was a tight end prop and my training involved running and weights because some are really tough to take down and the scum is no joke if you don't have any lower body strength.

I loved rugby and I hope you do too.

lawkat

You definitely need a mouth guard. That is so essential. Everyone has one. Also get a good pair of cleats. They are important, especially on days when it is just one big mud pit.

_Zardoz_

Are you playing union or league? I used to play both. As with any exercise it will contribute to your calorie deficit. Mouth guards despite popular opinion their main objective is actually to help against mandible and skull fractures. Get one fitted by a dentist though the ones you buy across the counter are rubbish and I always found effected your breathing.

As for injuries it's a contact sport you'll get injuries proper technique and training and good touch judges minimise this but you will get injured. I wont list the injuries i got in 6 years playing as I haven't time but the majority will just be bumps and bruises

As for exercise depending on position you'll be playing you need to Judge what you will need. Good resistance work is vital more though if your in a forward position. If your playing in the backs some good sprint work is useful as well as interval training. A good level of cardio fitness is good no matter the position though as 80 minutes of a contact sport take it out of you. No matter what have fun though and don't drink the calories you burn in the bar after the game

mjudd1990

Squats, bench, deadlift. Heavy compound lifts that will build muscle and increase your strength.

kassiebby1124

Thanks all. I'm not sure of the position I'm playing. I find out on Tuesday I believe. Though, I think they would train me in a little bit of everything since I started so late. So I guess for now, until I figure out what position I'm playing, I do a combination of lifting and interval training. I follow All Pros lifting routine off of bodybuilding.com.
I also got a pair of adidas football cleats and removed the "front toe" cleat. These cleats can be unscrewed so we just took it out.

Thanks everyone. I'm super excited to start

Momowink

Rugby is so much fun! Wherever you play (I went between tighthead prop, second row and outside centre), you'll need strength and you'll do lots of interval training (what with the sprinting and stopping etc).

It's a brilliant sport, through prepare for pain! A hot shower after training always made me feel a million times better. On that note, tackles hurt less when you run into them. If you half-heartedly walk into them, it'll hurt SO much more

kassiebby1124

Thank you everybody. Anything else I should know? I want to continue to lose weight so diet wise I should eat less than I consume. It is safe to assume that if I eat properly, practice on field and off field, I can lower my body fat still?