In recent discussions of Rugby, a controversial issue has been the direction in which the culture is headed. On the one hand, some argue that there is a reason why things are the way they are. From this perspective, rugby has always been a sport for upper middle class, something that could have been passed down from generations, where the contact attracts certain type of players. On the other hand, however, others argue that like many things in the 21st century, things need to change. In the words of Vincent Browne, one of his view’s main proponents, “The image many of us males have of what it means to be a man, is disturbing and it doesn’t much differ from the rugby world’s ideal.” According to this view, rugby culture is pushing a toxic stereotype of what it means to be a man. In sum, then, the issue is whether rugby culture is due for change or not.
Most physical sports like rugby American football etc. Usually attract the stereotypical man, who as Vincent Browne defines it, is “able to beat the bejasus out of anyone who challenges him. A capacity to drink enormous amounts of pints – sensibly of course – is almost de rigeur. And being a good man with the girls, lots of girls.” While its natural for certain people to be attracted to a sport based on that sports characteristics it becomes toxic when the athletes inside the sport push those agenda back towards the fans. This comes from a part of the article where a recently retired player recalls how much fun it was to legally inflict pain upon others. While he was making a joke that wasn’t exactly toxic it represents the general mindset that taken a bit further can cause toxic ideas to surface. This might also have to do with how traditionally rugby has been a sport for private schools.
Rugby has traditionally been a sport for upper middle-class citizens having originated in private schools in England. Due to the resources needed, fields, uniforms, ball, not anyone could play. Now a days though many of those resources are more readily available and the barriers to enter into the sport of rugby are not as high, but private schools are still the predominant force in most countries when it comes to rugby.The Goff Rugby Report titled, “A More Inclusive Approach To Youth Rugby” by Josh Williams, discusses how private schools have dominated the rugby space, proposing setting up public programs so that more kids, not just those who go to private schools, can be exposed to the sport from an earlier age. Williams even goes as far as to propose weight divisions to not intimidate new players into joining the sport.
It might not be as easy as it sounds though, rugby’s player structure, backs and forwards that vary in size and weight, could make it difficult to implement this. Having two different weight classes could end up dividing teams into those with only back and those with only forwards removing the essential relationship between the two on a single team where the forwards do the dirty work to open up space for the backs to score.
Williams argument though, if found with an adequate solution could help open up the many useful life lessons that rugby has to offer to kid who might not be willing to play if intimidated by the physical part of the sport. Especially due to the rising physicality of the sport, as Paul Rees mentions in the article, “James Haskell: 'There are players all around with demons in their heads,'” which goes into the physical strain that players have had to endure. “Injuries are a consequence of a game that has in the past 25 years become ever more physically unrelenting and intense.” While many kids might not have the size nor the motivation to play well after high school or even primary school, having different weight classes could get them to enter rugby at an early age, teaching them important values not frequently seen in other sports, like respect.
It's not all bad though, to leave on a high note the article “The Culture of Rugby – Tackling the Issue of Respect” by Nick Clover goes through an aspect that distinguishes Rugby from other sport, the respect. Nick goes on to mention every part of rugby were respect is demonstrated, from the players to the fans. He mentions how "a 6”5, 130kg monster towering over a small referee, listening intently, while he receives his telling off” is one of the best moments in rugby. For example, in soccer, it is very common to talk back to the ref and complain about his decided call. Rugby has none of that, the refs call is what stands and if you disagree you can converse with the ref through a normal conversation. Nick then goes on to talk about the fans and how no matter the result are, the fans are always friendly and can leave what happened on the pitch, on the pitch. This isn’t just Nicks opinion though, in the article, “typhoon be damned, fans root for the home team as Japan digs out from another natural disaster,” Tim Noonan states how “Rugby people are renowned for their good-natured banter never resulting in any sort of physical confrontation regardless of how much they have to drink.” This respect for others is something that is simply inherit in the culture, a culture which also had to endure a typhoon in its biggest global event, the Rugby World Cup. These events highlight how 1.8 million fans can come together even in times of a natural disaster. Like a South African fan said while having to watch a game in a small packed fan zone due to the typhoon, “We have a very welcoming country in South Africa. But these guys [Japan] are off the charts.”
While rugby holds has many values that are beneficial to the players and fans, like most things there is room for improvement. Through more diversity and reform rugby can become a sport enjoyed by more people while avoiding some of the questionable values that are endured in the sport.