"It encourages us to be strong in a culture that tells us to be delicate. It teaches us how to improve the bodies we have, and not suffer for the bodies that society wants."

Rugby has a intimidating reputation. Most collegiate women's rugby teams struggle with recruitment. No matter how active the team is on campus, we still encounter people all the time who are surprised to learn that Emory has a rugby team, especially a women's team. When we try to recruit women, we get excuses that rugby is too intense, or they think they are not tough enough. The truth is, there is no prototypical rugby player. You can be tall, short, skinny, fat, muscular, lanky, etc. and still find your place on a rugby team. Yes, it is intense. But it is also empowering. It encourages us to be strong in a culture that tells us to be delicate. It teaches us how to improve the bodies we have, and not suffer for the bodies that society wants. It tells us to eat well and be healthy, and to never be ashamed to go back for seconds (or thirds).