A Novice Fan's View of Rugby Union 

 by 

Ntobeko Chidavaenzi

Rugby Union was thrust into the national limelight in 2003 when the England rugby team edged Australia in the World Cup Final to bring the Webb Ellis Trophy back home. Success often brings in the crowds and the attention that the sport gained brought in many fans that had previously looked at rugby as an afterthought.

New fans are still being brought into the sport, with many watching the current Six Nations campaign, but what do they see rugby as, and how easy is it for a first time fan to get sucked into the action of a game? Some people may argue that the rules and tactics involved in rugby may tend to make newcomers to the sport shy away, but the beginner doesn't necessarily have to understand things like the difference between an open-side or blind-side flanker to enjoy the fast paced and intense action that rugby offers plenty of.

The first thing many rugby novices tend to notice is the size of the players on the field. There are generally a lot more "big men" jogging around than you would find on a football pitch. Size and weight does give an advantage to certain positions in rugby, and most forwards, especially at the top level require a tough, sturdy physique in order to compete. Bloody noses and bandaged heads are not a rare sight and there is definitely no room for divers in rugby.

 Picture copyright of Patrick

At a football game, a decision against the home team is normally greeted by a wave of anger and abuse. This isn't the case with rugby, and will be noticed by a lot of people, especially those who have who or have watched football. The referee's decision in a rugby game is final and is not met with any resistance. Of course, is only natural for refs to make the occasion mistake and in some cases large groans of discontent will be heard in the stands when the refs whistle blows yet again, for the most part, dozens of players won't surround the ref when a decision goes against them.

Finally, as with a novice to any new sport, how easily he or she can follow the rules and action on the field can determine how much they will enjoy the game. There isn't an abundance of rules that a viewer must become acquainted with, but some are harder to spot than in other sports. Referee's blowing the whistle for penalties like "hands in the ruck" may confuse new viewers, however after watching a few games, the penalties and rules become easier to recognise.

RUCK 

Rugby has established itself as a main sport in England and is not to be considered an alternative to others. The new influx of fans should quickly have their initial thoughts on the game pushed aside as they begin to realize the skill, power and flair within the sport. The fluid passing moves, powerful mauls, and masterful kicking displays can be appreciated by all fans of all experience levels.

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