Is it a good idea to start playing rugby at 34?

Question

I fancy getting involved in playing rugby. Due to recent changes in my circumstances I now have some time on my hands which I did not have in the past. On the down side, I have never before played the game although I am a big fan of the sport. What do you lot reckon??

Answer 1

i think you are lining yourself up for a lot of pain and suffering starting so late in life. Many guys have got years of being battered and bruised behind them as well as a head full of tactics to not get hurt.Why not try something less combative like Karate or Judo

Answer 2

It probably won't go anywhere.

I'll tell you the honest truth... I like the martial arts better. It's a rugged sport that doesn't involve taking cheap shots at people, and it can help you more in real life.

Answer 3

Belive me, in Germany (in my club) we would take everyone ;-)

but anyway if you feel fit enough for it, go to a club and start training....after the first training you will see if you realy want to start. greeting for germany

Answer 4

go to  your local rugby club and make yourself available then ask if you can start training for next season and see what happens

Answer 5

Social rugby would be ok, but I wouldn't try to compete at any serious level.

Whatever you do, DO NOT try to play in the front row with no experience, you'll be setting yourself up for a serious neck injury.

Answer 6

yep i think it is. I mean its a good idea. U probably won't be professional but he you can play the game for the love of it aye.:)

Answer 7

Rugby is an easy game to get started with. There are annoying rules, but it really is not as physical as you might think. Sure, there is tackling involved, but an adult league is fine.

Answer 8

A terrible idea.

It is never a good idea to play rugby, and unles you are pretty fit and in good shape generally you will just be bringing a good deal of pain and misery into your life.

Stick to watching the other fools, and do something less definitely likely to result in long term damage to parts of your body that WILL NOT get better quickly now you are in your mid 30's!

Answer 9

It depends alot on what position you have your eye on, how fit you are, whether you don't mind taking a good pasting now and again, and how quick you learn. As a big fan yourself i'm sure you know Rugby is a lot more technical than people give it credit for and every game involves a whole world of pain. It is something that looks easy from the sidelines but once you are literally putting your body on the line amongst the mud and flying boots it looks a whole lot different.  If you are strong both in body and spirit I say good luck to you. Give it a go !!!

The season is nearly over for this year but I think it would be a good idea to go along to your local club and find out when pre-season training and recruitment starts then train yourself up for a few months, go to the gym, go running, swimming, anything you can do to get seriously fit. Believe me you'll need it if you actually get into the team.  You'll be hammered mercilessly for weeks......and that'll just be your own team-mates wait till you meet the oppostion !!!

Having said all that it is a sport I love. It's like gladitorial combat and nothing beats the feeling of walking off the pitch with your mates, caked in mud, your body aching for a hot shower and a cold beer knowing you have just turned over your biggest rivals. Its just the best !!!!

Answer 10

as an avid player start from training with local team and then see wat happens

Answer 11

if you are in really good shape anyway then yes there shouldnt be a problem

Answer 12

Why not.....if you feel in good shape look to join in with your local rugby team's training sessions.....and if it goes okay then you are ready to play....

Answer 13

No it isnt a god idea to start to play at your age.

Most people aged 34 start to think about retirement & not starting to play.

I would certainly give it a miss.

Take a less strenuous sport up like darts, pool, snooker or something like that.

Answer 14

Sure.  I am 41 and started playing this year.  We have three more spring matches and then a full schedule for the fall.

I never played before either.  I play prop, second row, or flanker.  So far, so good.  Looking forward to the fall.

Answer 15

not to any serious level, no

Answer 16

Be very careful and make sure you are fully fit, consult a GP if you have any twinges etc.  Make sure you join a veterans team as well.

Answer 17

Depends how fit you are and how immune you are to taking the occasional pasting.

Answer 18

rugby is awesome. give it a go. if you are going to start a sport start rugby its the best.

Answer 19

If you're fit enough, then yes, there's a 63 year old playing in the first team in a club near me.

Answer 20

I reckon if that is what you want to do you should do it.There are plenty of club sides in the U.S. that would be very happy to have you. I played until I was 45 full time so while you are starting late,if you are or get yourself in good shape and don't mind the bumps and bruises you can have some fun and still be productive

Answer 21

I am 32 and started playing when i was 17!  No its not too late- you arent too old- just make sure to stretch every day and you'll be fine.  I know a woman i play with is 50 and she started a few years ago.  Its never too late!!!!

Answer 22

your never to old but i would say ouch

Answer 23

I may be a bit younger than you, but if you feel that you can take the physical toll that is assosciated with it, then yes.  I recently just picekd up lacrosse and have played around with Rugby.  It is all how well of a shape you are in and if you can take the physcialness of it.  I say you should do it, so go for it!

Answer 24

Don't let anyone tell you to not do it or to do it. Make up you own mind. In my opinion it is a great opportunity to experience something new and to get in shape aswell as learning about team spirit. On the other hand there could be a lot of hard hits going in so if you're not prepared to front up to those I would keep out. Hope it helped!

Answer 25

Why not. You probably need to work on your fitness a bit, but go down you local club and try and get a run out for one of the lesser sides and see how you get on.

May need to work on ball handing too, and positional skills but you'll pick that up as you go along.

Answer 26

Yeah, sure. I take it you're going to ease yourself into it. Don't get too carried away.

Answer 27

There are lots of small, fairly social sides out there. I play for a side with a 43 year old and a 57 year old in it! Try looking at the RFU site (linked below) and look in the results area, then in your regional section (listed on the left hand side), pick a lower league side close to where you live and then give it a go. You do pick up a few knocks and bruises, but it's a great game!

Answer 28

Go for it, just make sure you have adequate personal injury insurance.

I used to enjoy rugby, but never had the strength & stamina, even at age 17.  Tried to qualify for the school team, but got so rounghed up at first practice that I never returned.

So, hats off to you, have fun, but get your insurance first!