THE POTENTIAL OF RUGBY FOR LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study aimed to understand rugby players’ perception of the sport’s potential for life skills development. We interviewed seven participants with an average of 39.9 (± 10.7) years of age and an average involvement in rugby of 22.3 years (± 5.9). The results suggest several positive aspects of rugby, such as welcoming new players, collective demands of the sport, social gatherings after the matches, socializing in the club, and the rules of communication with the referee. However, hazing novice players and negative conduct of coaches during training and competitions were also identified. Practicing rugby contributed to developing discipline, punctuality, emotional control, and teamwork.