Am I too fat to play rugby?
If you’re asking this question, as many Exiles do during games, the better question is “Am I letting my fat keep me from doing new and interesting things?” And we hope your answer is no.

Seriously, don’t I have to be in good shape to play rugby?
Well, yeah. But if you wait until you’re in shape to come out for rugby, well, look at yourself, you disgusting slob. When exactly are you going to start your fitness routine? What exactly is going to change in your life to get you to start doing that ab regimen in Men’s Health?

Chubby, you need a little rugby in your life. The God-awful feeling of sucking wind in the second half of a rugby match is going to give you the motivation to start training. We’ve seen it happen.

I happen to be a very fit, elite athlete. What does Northwest Indiana Rugby have to offer me?
If you are serious about rugby and you live in Da’ Region, you will find no better opportunity than playing for the Exiles. We play in the Chicago Area Rugby Football Union (CARFU), the best regional rugby league in the nation. CARFU team coaches include members of the US National Team (the Eagles) coaching staff, and also have a hand in choosing players for regional all-star teams. Exiles team members and alumni include former Eagles players and others have close ties to the national team. If you make plays for the Exiles, you will be noticed by people who can promote your career.

Well, I probably need experience to play rugby, right?
Many Exiles players touched a rugby ball for the first time at an Exiles practice. Some of them have gone on, in a matter of two or three years, to star for the Exiles and for regional all-star teams (called “select sides”).

Some of our players are foreign-born, from rugby-centric nations such as South Africa and Argentina, and they’ve played since they were toddlers. But they and our coaches are happy to teach you the game.

We also often field “B matches”, sort of like junior varsity games, which will allow you to play against novice players from other teams.

I played football/soccer. Will my skills translate to rugby?
Yes, but it’s not a direct correlation. Football players are familiar with the contact and tackling aspects of the game, soccer players often are better at kicking and keeping defenders off balance. Many players coming to rugby from either sport have found that rugby is the game they should have been playing all along.

Basketball players (those who play a physical game, that is) would probably make great rugby players, but seldom seem to come out. Hockey players and wrestlers have been fine ruggers as well.

There are a number of positions in rugby that require different skills, but generally, if you are a good athlete with aggressive instincts, you are likely to pick up the game quickly and excel.

Aren’t rugby players all a bunch of drunks? I mean, don’t you guys actually drink during games?
Not really. Ruggers tend to be rugged individuals, but have you seen some rec league softball teams go at the hooch? What about bowling? They have actual bars in the playing area. Unlike softball or bowling, playing rugby is not improved by drinking, so, no, we don’t drink before or during games (though there may be exceptions on occasions when we play multiple games in the same day). We do have post-match parties that include food and alcohol, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. The Exiles roster also includes non-drinkers, including a youth minister and other devout church-going players. That said, for those who care to indulge, rugby parties can provide, shall we say, a raucous social outlet.

I’m interested. What should I do?
Navigate back to the front page of our website and check for announcements about when and where we are practicing and come out for a practice. You also can contact our recruiting chairman for more information.