My grand dad is59 and he want to play rugby any ideas?

Question

My grand dad is59 and he want to play rugby any ideas?

Answer 1

59 may not be an issue but if you're thinking of getting into serious aorta pumping cardiovascular excersise at that age, you must consult a doctor first and get your heart properly checked out. You won't get "ready" to play full contact rugby on a treadmill or by lifting weights; you should actually take the advice of the person above and start playing touch rugby now. If you live near a city in Europe then there is usually touch rugby available. I've played a lot all over Europe and not just in rugby playing countries.

Touch rugby get's you fit and makes you think that getting back into full contact rugby is a good idea. It's also good for learning to pass again without the pressure of an oncoming defender.

I regularly play full contact 15 a side rugby against players over 60.

These players, whilst initially appearing harmless, are, in fact extremely dangerous as they take advantage of the other players' (even the opposition) concern for their safety and greet the bear hug tackle (as opposed to the customary "cravate" tackle cherished in France) with an elbow jab or a "fourchette" - Bruce Lee style. Stay away from the grey haired man in the maul.

They will strike you and then smile and make a joke that cleverly acknowledges the good sportsman in you.

Your grand dad should definitely go and see a doctor before playing rugby again (again as I'm assuming he's not talking about "taking up rugby" at 59... if so; please ignore this advice and go straight to the psychology section of answers). If his heart is in good enough health for him to play then I think he should give it a go. I know plenty of 60+ people here in France who play 80 minutes a week and play hard.

Answer 2

He should do some CrossFit style fitness workouts to get in good enough shape to hang with the younger guys.  Check with the local clubs, many have Old Boys teams that go to tournaments and play other Old Boys teams.  On those teams, he will not be the oldest guy out there.  

If he doesn't have any rugby experience, then the problem is more than just age and fitness.  In that case, I would also suggest he play some touch to get the feel for the game in a non-contact setting.  He should also watch world class rugby to see how the game is played, paying especial attention to the guys playing the position he will be playing.  At some point he will have to go out and really practice.  He'll just need to hang in as best he can, even if it means not doing some of the drills.

59 is not to old to get out there and run around on a Saturday.  Club rugby is about having fun and playing rugby.  He probably won't play professional ball, but he can still have fun and stay active.

Answer 3

Touch rugby.

get him to get in touch with local seniour teams. he can tag along, and request to play touch with the regualr lads.

this way he can learn about the angles, moves and rules, aswell as gaining fitness friends and not risk injury.

good luck! theres a bloke playin in his 90's somewhere i think

Answer 4

my first response is that their is no age limit for any sport. i would avoid contact but tip or tag rugby would be the ideal solution.

Answer 5

well to to old to play, buy him playstation rugby games ,, better for his health