Rugby is a team sport that is essentially a hybrid of athleticism and coordination. It can be quite aggressive, but it also promotes teamwork, collaboration, and trust among the players, which are all valid reasons to consider this sport if you have never played it.
If you are a fan of this sport, you may be looking for easy yet effective strategies to promote rugby culture on your college campus. If so, here are seven ways that can help you grow the sport of rugby within your campus and increase student involvement.
Workshops or introductory sessions to the sport are necessary for beginners, considering that not everyone knows how rugby works, especially if they have never previously played it. Provide would-be players with rugby basics and organize training camps. Workshops should be fun and inclusive for all levels of experience, creating an environment that is welcoming to anyone who would like to attend.
Help build anticipation and attract larger crowds on rugby match days. Ask student unions for help and contact local businesses to make it a real event with food stalls, live music and even half-time cheer. You can also promote match day events around the campus through posters and social media tools like TikTok videos or Instagram Reels, reminding students when the game is scheduled and creating more enthusiasm to join in.
Some students will likely find it hard to join the festivities because they have important essays to write. Learners who want to finish their homework early may think, “Can someone do my coursework for A+ grade while I enjoy a rugby match?”. They would be happy to know that this is indeed possible with StateOfWriting - a custom writing service that can write any essay for you. They write other papers, too, so don't hesitate to seek them out.
Starting a rugby supporters club is the perfect way to get people involved. A club can hold events such as professional game viewing parties, social initiatives, fundraisers, etc. This keeps students feeling like they are in the loop, which will create more loyal fans over time or even encourage someone to try playing for the first time.
Key activities a rugby supporters' club could include:
Adding rugby to the list of intramural sports would increase participation, giving a lower-pressure option for students who want to try out playing without becoming too committed to the cause. There should be an emphasis on fun and learning the game here, not hardcore competitiveness. It will give purpose to students who are curious about the game but don't want to commit to being on the team permanently.
Alumni who have played rugby should be some of the strongest advocates for the sport. So, to boost the popularity of rugby on campus, you can host speaking presentations, training sessions, or even alumni games. Watching older players perform and mingling with them would be exciting and helpful for current students. Events like this serve to connect past and present players, boosting the rugby presence on campus. Alumni can also share their learning advice, like ideas for business research, consult younger students about choosing their majors, and talk about other important educational steps. This will help students build a cross-generational bond beyond just athletics.
Use campus publications, newsletters and even social media platforms to write stories about the rugby team, enthusing about matches or other events that are coming up. If schools were to focus more on the individual players and their rugby experiences, students would also feel that it is closer to something they can be a part of. Sharing game highlights, team updates, and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter will keep the rugby scene in your school unique and interesting. A little hype never hurt anybody!
Rugby can be learnt through physical education classes as an entry point in a controlled learning environment. Create a rugby-based fitness or skills class where students come in and learn a little about the history and basics of this sport. Student exposure to rugby at the high school level gains more interest because it opens students up to a new possibility they may not have known about before. Also, it creates an environment where students can learn how great this sport is.
Making rugby a big deal on your campus will require setting up events, working on student engagement, and enthusing about this sport to encourage participation. Try making rugby more approachable to new and inexperienced players, portraying it as a fun sport that allows great opportunities for bonding and camaraderie. This way, in time, you can really grow a strong rugby culture on your college campus. Good luck!