Watching Rugby

If you are looking for ways to better visualize what we try to do on the field, the Rugby Channel plays a clip of the week. I highly recommend watching some rugby now and then on-line to help broaden your perspective and enjoyment of the game.

So, it's the off-season, now what?

Players -- it is the off-season -- it's a time for everyone to enjoy all those other activities and commitments that life brings. But if you miss Rugby or just need something to do, take a look at the USA Rugby website and click on the "Fit to Play" link. This will lead you to lists of pre-season and off-season work-out sessions including circuit training and other recommended workouts. If you are not involved in another sport, find a work-out partner(s) and try to keep yourself active. Following one of the USA Rugby conditioning plans is a great way to challenge yourself and improve your fitness.

Working out off season will improve the quality of your play, improve the team as a whole and lead to good habits for healthy living (it's not all about rugby).

Something to aspire to:

The Wisconsin U19 Blog reported this story (Wisconsin U19 Girls Rugby: Our First Alumna Eagle!) about Kati McCormick being selected for the U.S. National team, the Eagles, on thier tour of England this December. While she is not a Brookfield alumna, I wanted the Brookfield players to see that local girls can make good. Not all players have the desire to play at that level, but if this is a goal for you, playing in the Wisconsin U19 league is a great place to start. Hopefully some day our club will have alumnae Eagles of our own.

All Tournament Team

The Wisconsin U19 Girls Rugby blog has a complete list and picture of the All Tournament Team for anyone who is interested.

Press for the post-match traditions

The Journal Sentinel carried this article about about the traditional high school sport carbo-cram. The article prominently features the high school rugby tradition of post-match hospitality. I thought it might interest everyone.

The Quarterfinals...

The BBC carried this story about France's quarter final victory over #1 ranked and tournament favorite New Zealand in last weekend's World Cup quarterfinal. As we prepare for our quarter final match up with Catholic Memorial, let's keep in mind the "secret" of playing great rugby. Here are some quotes from the French captain, Rafael Ibanez, which should remind us of how (and where) we need to play on Sunday:

"The players really gave everything right until the end. In the World
Cup, courage and team spirit can make a big difference. We played with a lot
of heart."

"They have been the best team in the world for four years and were favourites
for the competition, but we played with a lot of heart and I am very happy
with the players."

"You have to play out of your skin, and that's what happened
this evening."

Let's get ready for a great weekend of rugby! Go Bruisers.