Rugby Story - Daniel Li
Daniel Li is a junior at Shanghai American School, Puxi Campus
I've often pondered why American schools in Shanghai, and international schools in general, choose to offer rugby instead of American football. Having never been exposed to the sport, I never considered playing it competitively. However, fate seemed to have other plans when I transferred to SAS Puxi in my sophomore year. The rugby coach, who saw my physique, encouraged me to join the rugby team. Initially, I was hesitant, viewing rugby as just another way to pass the time. But after just a couple practices, and to my surprise, the sport had a way of captivating me, and I ended up falling head over heels in love with it.
From the moment I began playing rugby, I was engulfed by the overwhelming sense of community. Rugby was a sport that demanded perseverance and trust from each player, which created a bond that was deeper than just scores on the scorecard.
Perseverance is a fundamental attribute in the Rugby team. Regardless of how adverse the circumstances may be for us, our team would never give up until the final blow of the whistle, even if we were behind on the scoreboard. We knew that playing with 100% commitment was not only a display of good sportsmanship towards our competition but was also a way of demonstrating our respect for our own team's values. We understood that success in Rugby is dependent on teamwork and trust, and by exhibiting an unwavering determination, we reinforced our bond and strengthened our resolve to achieve our goals.
In rugby, trust is the glue that holds our team together. We are a unit, a group of brothers protecting each other’s backs from the opposition. With trust, we are able to advance down the field, going through the opposition as one. Our success on the pitch was a reflection of the trust we had in each other. Each player knew that if they gave up or faltered, the entire team would suffer. We had to play our individual roles to perfection, trusting that our teammates would do the same. As we went through the season, our trust in each other deepened.
The culture of inclusivity and supportiveness among my rugby teammates extended beyond just the sport and permeated into our everyday lives. They would genuinely care about my school life, which was encouraging as a fresher, and their encouragement motivated me to excel. This rugby spirit transcended the boundaries of the field and became an integral part of my identity.
