College & Men's Rugby

[Homer]

Had the opportunity to shoot some rugby for the first time this weekend. I went to shoot a local men's and shot a little of the college game prior to the start of men's game.

Didn't know anything about rugby before, and really still don't, but it was great to watch and capture the action.

These first few are of Long Beach State's team.







Here are a few from the men's game (Belmont Shores Men's Rugby)

[retroactiv]

I know nothing about rugby other than it is hard core, and what is up with them picking up the guys, that is a little odd.

Your shots are very good, and show lots of the action. Nice job.

[BFiredup]

Great shots....I don't know a thing about it either....looks like football without protective gear....LOL

[Homer]

Line Out, close enough.
Ball goes over the sideline, the opposing team throws it in to the two lines of players.
Used to be you could only jump, then lifting was allowed, then banned, and then allowed again.
Line out can be any length, set by the throwing team - makes judging where to jump for the opposition to get the ball hard.

Unlike Football the game doesn't stop, except for blood, and the end-of-half whistle.
No changes of team, no offense, no defence, just the players you have on the pitch.
Kick-off is similar, but there it ends.
No contact off the ball (that's only what the rules say) so no tactical blocking.
No forward passing, no quarterback, everyone passes or kicks.
Instead of lining up against each other with no contact, they form a scrum and the ball is put in from the side.
Then they push and the two packs struggle to walk over the ball (or back heel it to the rear of the pack) and run it forward.
Or push over the opposing pack and drive them back while retaining the ball in their pack.
No tackling or hands in the scrum, the ball has to come out the back to be passed out to the forward line.
No armour, what you see is what you hit, just flesh and bone.
No helmets, except for the forwards in the pack who may wear lightweight protectors to stop their ears being ripped.

"Give blood - play rugby"

[skydiver6]

Great photos! The 5th one is my favorite. I love the look on the guy's face with the ball. I don't know anything about rugby either. I thought they were pretending to be cheerleaders in the lifting shots! lol

[livin4lax09]

very nice shots, but are they in sRGB? THeyre showing a little desaturated on firefox, if I get the chance I'll look at them in Safari.

I've been trying to follow rugby more since I've gotten here to New Zealand, and it's certainly fun to have a team as incredible as the All-Blacks to follow.

[ciddog91]

Great shots. Makes me want to play rugby again..If I were only 20 years younger.....

Phil

[Old Timer]

Great action!! Very nice to have some alternative sports photos.

[VinnyC01]

for not knowing anything about a sport, you did an AWESOME job! Well done as always.

[uilq]

great shots. the pics are amazing

[Homer]

Thanks again for the comments. I'd like to shoot as many action sports as I can. Now I need to find a lacrose team.

Jim

[John_Kallis]

Hmmmmmmm nice pics of Rugby.. i think there are different games but Rugby requires good health and strong body. It is popular game among the men.. is not it?

[Homer]

Thanks John, and popular with the ladies as well. You need to check out my post about women's rugby below.

Jim

[Hoffy]

Having a bit of a look through some of the older stuff (well in the last 4 weeks anyway) & these have caught my attention.

Firstly, I didn't realise that they knew what Rugby was State side, let alone played it!!

Anyhow, I think these are all fantastic....Even though rugby is not my ball sport of choice, some of the best action sports photos are from this game & these are no exception. I particularly like the "running" ones posted above! Cool!

[Steve Hillman]

Very good set, caught the action well and filled the frame. I like thes a lot.:thumbsup: