Rugby is one of the most popular sports around, but like other sports, professional players have a lot of free time to contend with after training sessions and games.
Therefore, taking up a hobby or having an interest or two is crucial, and many rugby players make use of them to pass the time.
Music
Music is always a fantastic place to start if you’re looking for a way to kill your free time. It’s also perfect as it will keep players focused too, as they could be learning to play a new instrument, for example, or picking up the words to a song they’ve not sung before. Former rugby union star, Sam Warburton, took up the drums and has become a talented player. While Ben Foden, who plays for Rugby United New York, is a fantastic singer and made an appearance on the X Factor last year.
Gaming
Gaming appears to be a hobby that most sportspeople have an interest in, and there’s a good reason why it’s the case. Rugby players, for example, may enjoy playing games with a rugby theme, such as the Scrum Down slot game. But, one of the other reasons why gaming is so popular is that because rugby is a team sport, it helps to encourage togetherness and team spirit. Players could all hop online on their PlayStation 4 to play a multiplayer title. And it will go a long way towards sustaining friendships and perhaps building new ones in the camp.
Art
Some players want to use their free time to unwind and chill out, and art is perfect for this situation. Many people suggest engaging in some form of art promotes relaxation in the body and mind, so, it’s no surprise that it continues to be a popular hobby of professional rugby players past and present. Jonny May, who stars for the Leicester Tigers and England, turned to colouring books as he recovered from a severe knee injury. Former Rotherham and Gloucester player, Shane Monahan, took things one step further by becoming an artist following his retirement from the sport in 2015.
Sports
Old habits die hard, or should that be hobbies? A lot of people who play sports will spend a lot of their free time engaging in other sports. And rugby players are no different. They get seen at other sporting events such as football matches, and they often take part in charity games in other sports as well. Mike Tindall, married to Zara Phillips, took his passion for horses to the next level when he bought a horse at auction for a rumoured £12,000. It went on to finish third at the Grand National five years ago, giving Tindall a moment away from rugby he will never forget.
Professional rugby players need to use their free time wisely, so they remain mentally and physically prepared for the games ahead. All the above provide excellent levels of fun, excitement, relaxation and focus. While some popular hobbies also promote team spirit and bonding, which is perfect for the sport.
