OPINION: “There’s never been a better time to go back to the rugby club”

There’s never been a better time to go back to the rugby club. It has so much to offer, and you’ll love it.

I don’t often watch the news, and I try very hard to see and hear the good in every day. But it’s hard to avoid some of the bigger issues in society. Rugby might not cure them all, but the club can help the community. And if each community gets healthier, happier and has a purpose, then the world gets better. It’s unlikely to make the news. But that’s not why we do it.

Scottish Rugby recently released their findings that clubs contribute almost £160million to the economy! That’s an £8 return for every £1 invested!!! You’d take that if your bank offered it!

But its a lot more than that. There is a lot that can’t be measured. I’m biased, so my perspective is maybe not to be trusted, but I can speak from experience.

Let’s start young. The clubhouse is a great place for kids. It’s safe. There’s so much to learn. It’s a melting pot of young and old, different backgrounds, and the bonds of friendship and respect can be witnessed in abundance. Kids can have a juice, runaround, play outside, meet friends, make new friends, learn the traditions and see something they want to feel a part of for a long time. Boys and girls. My kids love the raffle.

Teenagers have the perfect gang hut. The temptation to misbehave is always there, but hopefully the boundaries can be managed by those who have gone before. These formative years, where their peers become the biggest influence, would be well spent at the club. Having somewhere to be 3 times a week, with people who care, can avoid a lot of potential issues on the street. The club can also provide respite from things that might be troubling at home, for all ages. The discipline, commitment, organisation, communication, empathy, struggle and triumph are amazing skills and experiences to share with like minded souls.

Adulthood is tricky. Things change. Priorities shift. But no matter how old you get, having a chance to play and forget about life for a while is priceless. Training for me felt like playing. Rugby was (is) my social life. I’ve played and walked with paupers and kings. But everyone gets the same treatment. There were bits I found a struggle, when I was trying to work out who I was and I didn’t feel as comfortable as I do now. But that’s needed. It’s all part of the journey.

The clubhouse is unique. There are few places in society where all ages, family and friends, opposition and team mates can be as one. It’s spectacular.

It’s also the best Yellow Pages (ask your parents kids, it was the olden days Google). My electrician, mortgage advisor, plumber, car salesman, father-in-law, mechanic and best mates can all be found in a rugby club. Some of them down the road, and some of them thousand of miles away. There’s often an international player in there too, if you know where to look. After all, heroes walk among us.

I’ve travelled far, I think I’ve played or coached on 4.5 continents (NZ counts as half, never been to S America) and the clubhouses excite me every time. I love seeing the grounds, I look at the Captains and Presidents boards, the plaques, the pictures, the memorabilia, the donated shirts… I love it all. Each one a museum and tribute to the most amazing place in the world. If the walls could speak, I reckon they’d say…

Happiness is Egg Shaped in #Clubland