Starting Rugbytots. After waking up at 6am with poorly ears and a bad tummy to boot, today was Jensen Indiana’s debut at Rugbytots. At nearly 23 months, he is the youngest in his class by quite a few months but as his Mamma loves rugby so much, I was keen for him to have a go (even though he’s not supposed to start until his birthday).
I’ve been particularly keen for Jensen to start rugby because of my own love of the sport. I played at University and for a while after, but sadly I haven’t played for many years now and to be honest I’m not sure I could! Plus, Dadda worried that I would get hurt and after hearing tales of matches from Granny and Grandad, his worst fears were confirmed. No rugby for Mamma. But that didn’t mean no rugby at all 😉
Anyway, after a hasty breakfast of fruit, it was time to get dressed. I cannot tell you how long I had been waiting for this very moment. Even at University I would dream of having a little one to coach and show the wonders of this sport to. I can still remember one of my graduation cards from a fellow rugby playing friend saying that they looked forward to one day meeting my little BLONDE HAIRED, RUGBY PLAYING, LITTLE GIRL. Well, as they say, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad 😉 Thankfully Jensen’s sex makes it less of a struggle for him to gain access to the sport (although we all know any daughter of ours would be in the class too!).
With his smart little uniform on, we were ready to go on time… ON TIME! Luckily the class is only at the local school of this definitely would not have been the case.
My heart burst with pride when he put his shorts and t-shirt on. In years to come, when he’s a brilliant athlete, I’ll be able to pull out these photos for him. No matter how big and strong he becomes, he’ll always be my little Geggins in his shorts and rugby shirt.
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| Aww, Mamma! |
So, we went to the class. The class itself was simple and a little more grown up than I thought Jensen would be capable of, but he followed the instructions admirably and managed to catch the ball, too! We threw and caught the ball, kicked the ball from tees, kicked cones, ran with the ball and did an assault course holding the ball, all in 30 minutes!
It was all Daddas who were joining in with their little ones, with a few Mammas sat on the bench. This Mamma wished she could join in more and did a little more than she should have and is now suffering for it. It’s hard to remember how pregnant 36 weeks actually is when your little one is shouting for you to come and run with him.
A few times Jensen decided he would run up and down the gym instead, but when you’re nearly 2, wide open spaces are very hard to resist. As are monkey bars…
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| Pull-Ups are a Necessary Part of Rugby Training, no? |
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| And if I Pull This…. |
There were no meltdowns today, although with every meltdown I get a little calmer in dealing with them, which was amazing considering how poorly Jensen has been feeling. Just a few grumps because Mamma kept wiping his nose.
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| Grumpy, Me? That’s Dadda’s Job! |
At the end of the session, the Rugbytots were called together to get a sticker. Being so young it took Jensen Indiana a few moments to grasp what was going on but he joined the little group and sat down to listen to “the man” and then glowed with pride when he gave him a sticker.
Apparently Rugbytots are supposed to wait on the floor until the whistle goes before running off to their parents, but Jensen was so full of pride that he immediately got up and ran over to us shouting, “Mamma! Dadda!” Needless to say. Mamma and her hormones were nearly in tears at his happiness and Dadda was equally as proud.
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| Look, Dadda! I Got a Sticker! |
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| Reflection Time….. Yes, I Did Well Today. |
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| Look, It Says My Name! |
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| Yeah, I’m Funny. |
When the session was over, Jensen Indiana decided it was time to try out those other essential rugby skills which the session had clearly not covered. . . Like TACKLING…
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| Down! Down I Say! |
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| That’s Better. Now I Can Attack You From a Better Angle. |
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| Time To Go Home. . . . |
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| Jumping Around with Dadda. . . |
At the end of the session there was a chance for some more running around… Which Dadda took full advantage of. Mamma wanted to run around too, but when you look like you’ve eaten most of the rugby balls (and players too) it’s just too hard.
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| Run, Dadda, Run! |
As we went to leave, Jensen Indiana gave “the man and lady” high fives and said “bye bye”, promising to be back next week. His “bye-byes” are like music to my ears, so sweet and full of hope.
So, Jensen Indiana, another little milestone in your young life <3 I hope you grow up to love the sport as much as I do, Geggins. We’ve SO proud of you. <3
Jensen looks so adorable!!!
Thank you, Christina! Just think, soon your little one will be here! 🙂
Love it… what a little man he is growing into be! We actually have a rugby team at a university in the town I work in. I've never seen a game though. (oh and this is dana lol, it will only let me sign in as the jewelry shop)
I only just saw this comment, Dana! You have NEVER seen a match? o_O You must, it's a fantastic game! See the shirt with number 3? That was me.