Rugby on the Rise

Calvin is not a rugby player, but a gym rat and a very successful entrepreneur. At 25, Calvin started his plumbing business, WillWay Services. Calvin talks a lot about the benefit of discipline and drive when starting a business and his journey. Calvin also discusses his journey in the gym and diet. 

Niku Kruger is a retired United States Eagle, player,  including playing in the 2015 World Cup, then turned coach, where I had the pleasure of being coached by him with the Glendale Academy, then turned referee. Niku talks about his transition from an international scrumhalf to the man behind the whistle. 

Dmontae Noble is best known for his sevens career, as he has played for the United States sevens team on numerous occasions, since the recording of this podcast. Dmontae is known for his ability to step and lose defenders with ease.  Dmontae talks about his journey growing up playing rugby, as well as basketball and football. This is a great episode for young athletes who play multipole sports. 

Campbell is a center and outside back. Campbell grew up playing rugby in the DMV area and has since played in the MLR with the Glendale Raptors, and after the recording of this podcast, he is currently playing for the Dallas Jackals, Campbell talks about what he believes are some of the key skills to playing in the backline as well as talks about his journey through playing rugby growing up, including his time in New Zealand. 

This episode is for anyone new to rugby. I talk about the different versions of the game, the basic laws, positions, understanding the game as a viewer, and how to get involved. 

I have wanted to do this episode since my first day as an American Raptor/Colorado XO. Talking with crossover athletes consistently and their families that are new to the sport, I always wanted to give them something simple and easy to help anyone understand the game. I hope this episode gives you everything you need before attending your first match or practice. 

This episode is for anyone new to rugby. I talk about the different versions of the game, the basic laws, positions, understanding the game as a viewer, and how to get involved. 

I have wanted to do this episode since my first day as an American Raptor/Colorado XO. Talking with crossover athletes consistently and their families that are new to the sport, I always wanted to give them something simple and easy to help anyone understand the game. I hope this episode gives you everything you need before attending your first match or practice. 

Mikey Grandy is another crossover athlete, who recently started playing rugby, and started at the professional level. Mikey grew up playing basketball, went to college on a full-ride scholarship as an offensive lineman, then after graduating practice jujitsu before joining rugby. Mikey plays flanker primarily as well as second row. 
The first part of this episode outlines Mikey's sports background as well as his journey to playing rugby, including losing close to 100 pounds. We then discuss some of his strengths in the game, mainly surrounding tackling. Finally, we discuss the American Raptors tour of Uruguay, which was Mikeys first time out of the country, and on tour. 

Zach Hall is has been playing rugby for less than 10 weeks, making him the least experienced rugby player on this podcast so far, but he has a large history in college football. Zach plays center for the American Raptors and played middle linebacker before his rugby career. Zachs strongest areas in rugby are his abilities in defense and the collision area. This is another great episode for crossover athletes looking for a brand new player's perspective on the sport. 

Gelen is a hooker who started playing his rugby for the COlorado XO's and just finished his season with the Gilintin's. Gelen is arguably the biggest rookie to play in the MLR, and certainly the least experienced MLR champion in terms of rugby.  Gelen talks about his transformation from professional football to professional rugby, as well as his growth as a player and some of his memories from the past year. This episode is great for very new players and crossover athletes.