Fiji25 Day 14 Draft - Sophia

Sophia

Day 14

 

Coming into this trip, rugby had always been something I knew about, but it was so separate from my own reality it was more so a game I considered “like football” not an entity of itself. Before the constant hum of a game that now accompanies my every meal, my only experience with the sport had been years ago on an airplane when my supply of movies had run dry and I turned to the sports section for entertainment.

Here though, rugby is more than a sport. It fills every aspect of one’s life. If not a player themselves, a coach, if not that, a super fan. Coming into our second week here in Nanuku, we have been able to take part in this custom playing “touch rugby” every day after class.

As heat pounds down on the grassy field of play, we are warmly embraced into our respective teams. Big and small, with varying levels of skill, each player can feel the love of the game with every beaming smile that follows a try and every cold shower that washes away the sticky sweat that clings to our skin as a trophy of our efforts.

Here, rugby bonds. Little kids litter the field among giants who play semi-professional each weekend, celebrating and cheering together as the closest of friends, just the same as anyone else. Even in my own home I’ve felt the sport’s magical effect. With my recounting of the day’s game and the sly smiles of my host brothers as they ask, “Are you going to play touch-rugby today?”.

Here, rugby is a way to include. Despite my complete misunderstanding of the rules those first few days, and frankly even now, the ball will still find its way into my hands. The people here care so deeply for both us and each other doing their best to make the experience as fun as possible (there is no such thing as a ball hog).

Here, rugby is a way to love. Despite the aggressive nature of the sport, it has acted as a portal, integrating me further into Fijian culture.  My newfound love for rugby and Fiji are one and the same, and I only hope I can incorporate everything it’s taught me in my own athletic pursuits back home.