5 reasons to try rugby

Are you stuck in a workout rut? Or are your days of sport a distant memory, left behind with textbooks and school uniforms? Whatever your level of fitness, here are 5 reasons to try rugby with RFU’s Warrior Camps.

With the Rugby Football Union staging a series of Warrior Camps throughout the year, it’s never been easier to participate and push yourself to areas you never knew you could. Age, size and ability can be left on the sidelines – simply put on your workout gear and join your fellow ‘warriors’ out on the field. And with the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place this month, we reckon there’s no better time to be inspired and get involved.

It’s in our blood!
There’s no denying it. Not only were the English team the champions of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, they were also runners up in 2010, 2006, 2002. You can’t argue with those statistics. We’ve got the blood of champions running through our veins, and we aren’t afraid to shout about it. England are the team to beat in the upcoming Cup, so embrace your national pride, get out there and represent.

Taking part has never been easier, thanks to Warrior Camps
The RFU Warrior Camps are an easy way to introduce yourself to rugby. This summer is the perfect time to try something new or dive back into a hobby long forgotten, with coaching taking place across the country to give a hands on approach. Since 2013 there has been an incredible increase of 215 per cent female participation in the sport, and the RFU’s camps hope to generate even more growth. Connect with your inner warrior and perhaps you’ll become an inspiration to the younger generation.

It’s a full-body workout
Hours spent in the gym not your style? Well, rugby’s team atmosphere and empowering nature means that it will feel far from the intense workout that it actually is. Run faster than you ever thought you were capable of, become stronger than you ever have been, and throw yourself into the sport. Instead of focusing on one specific area of your body, rugby covers all areas of your physique, with the Warrior Camps teaching you the skills of the sport so that you are implementing them correctly to avoid injury. So get off the treadmill, breathe in the fresh air and prepare to get dirty!

Improve your mind
It’s easy to feel down on yourself every now and again, caught up in the stress of work and unsure where to express all of that pent up energy. The goal of the Warrior Camps is to get more women involved in contact rugby, with the physical nature of the sport meaning that you can take all of your stress and emotion out onto the field and put it to good use. On top of this, exercise is a proven method of overcoming problems of depression and anxiety, while getting fit in the process. As they say, a healthy body is a healthy mind.

Forge new friendships on the field
As the fastest growing female sport, there’s no doubt that you’ll meet like-minded individuals and create a strong community with your fellow rugby teammates. There are no barriers, no restrictions and you’ll find a sense of companionship unrivalled by any other. Everyone is welcome, and with such an inclusive attitude, what’s not to love? So sign up for your local Warrior Camp, find your team and tap into your inner potential.