Rugby

So probably against my mother's wishes, I have started playing rugby here in Berlin. Via the internet, I found a team that practices pretty close to where my university is. Like the team in Chile and unlike my team in the US, they play 7s rugby. However, they do team up with another 7s team that plays in East Berlin to play 15s. Unfortunately, the season finished up in April and doesn't start again until September, but we still have practice twice a week.

There are some things that I find really interesting about this team. First, that they have such good relations with a team that I would expect to be rivals that they can come together and play. Although it is a really new development, all the girls seem excited about it and want to continue it.

I guess since the season is so recently over, there are a lot of girls who are taking the time off and not coming to practice so regularly. While this is unfortunate, the girls who do come are really dedicated and serious. They have also arranged to have joint practices with the men's team. This is also surprising, since when I left UMBC, the men's and women's teams were just getting onto better terms. However, I would never imagine a practice together. But, the BSV Rugby seems to be cohesive. Playing with the men is also great because they run such a higher-paced game. Men's practices are fast-paced and serious, working on conditioning and skills at the same time - something that I haven't experienced as much playing with girls. I'm hoping this really gets me in shape for the fall season back at UMBC...

Another surprising element is the way in which the players act as soon as they get off the field. In general, everyone seems to be in good shape and giving their all. But what was waiting for us after last Tuesday's practice but a case of beer. Then, some of the players headed up to the "Casino" (Restaurant/Bar) for more drinks. Whatever calories they just burned off were immediately put back on. And another European phenomenon is the smoking. There were lots of men's players, who right after practice, lit up cigarettes. Surely they realize the damage that they are doing to their performance... It is something you hardly ever see in the US.

Finally, I just have to say that I am so happy I started playing rugby in the first place. This may just be my own theory but, I believe where ever you are in the world, you will always be able to find a rugby team somewhere close by, and immediately meet nice, friendly people, who want you as part of their team. I say this not only because of my experience in Chile and Germany, but because on the women's team here there are an assortment of nationalities including American, Australian, and English and on the men's team Irish, French, American, etc.

So far, it has been a lot of fun and I expect it to just get better. I'll promise not to get hurt this time. :)