Written by Max Weber, 12th Rock’s Director of Rugby Development

What makes rugby significant? The culture. In many ways, it goes hand in hand with Christian values, aligning with what Jesus teaches us to do. A small example of how rugby culture differs from other sports is how we conduct ourselves at the end of a game. A major part of the rugby experience is the “social” gathering afterward. The home team always hosts food and refreshments, and the visiting team always stays. If you don’t host or don’t stay, it gives you a terrible reputation—it’s practically unheard of, even at the professional level.

During a post-game “social,” each team gives a short speech, thanking the opposing team for either hosting or traveling. Each team also announces the opponent’s “Man of the Match.” It’s a fun tradition—sometimes, the host team will give the visiting “Man of the Match” a small gift, like a mug or a miniature rugby ball. Even if there was a fight on the field, it stays on the field. You shake hands, find the opposing player who hit you the hardest that day, and leave it behind. In a full-contact sport, such reconciliation is rare. This is just one example of how rugby culture reflects Christ-like values—through forgiveness, reconciliation, and fellowship. It’s completely different from most other sports or competitions.

Before I dive deeper into rugby culture, let me answer the question you’re probably asking yourself: “12th Rock? Rugby? How random.” Let me tell you how God opened the door for 12th Rock.

I always envisioned myself being a firefighter into my 50s—retiring relatively young and staying involved in rugby in a fun, social way for the rest of my life. I planned on playing in old boys’ matches for as long as my body held up. My rugby career goal was simple: I just wanted to play one more game. “Please, God, just let me play one more game.”

But then, a horrific and violent injury—not sustained in rugby, but in the line of duty as a firefighter—brought my career to an abrupt halt. I was devastated that my injury had taken rugby away from me, and I fell into coaching as a way to stay involved. At first, I didn’t love it, but over time, I realized it was my opportunity to pay it forward—I still had so much to give to the game. I fell back in love with rugby.

Through the grapevine, I ended up in the same room with Mark, and soon after, scheduled a casual sit-down with Mark and Greg. We talked about rugby for hours, and unbeknownst to me, they saw my potential even before I did. Months before they even offered me a job, they started constructing a rugby field—without telling me. Six months later, they learned that I was being forced into early retirement from my role as a NYC firefighter. That’s when they came to me and said, “Hey, we built a rugby field. We love the idea of rugby. We love your fire, passion for people, and love for Jesus. Would you come work for us?”

Without hesitation, I started fundraising for the program, and just six weeks after my official retirement—at 39 years old—I began my journey as the Director of Rugby Development at 12th Rock.

Christian community outside of church appeals to many. NFL football has replaced church in many households. Community in general—not just “church” communities—is dwindling. But Americans show up for sports. Sadly, most athletic careers end after high school, and only a lucky few continue playing in college.

However, with 3,100 adult rugby clubs across the U.S., rugby opens doors to lifelong competition and camaraderie. Travel is a key part of the sport—teams journey across the country, and I’ve even been told, “Rugby will take you around the world if you let it.” The most dedicated groups of people—individuals who otherwise never would have met—are found in adult rugby clubs. Few people play for just a few years and move on. They become committed to the sport and remain lifelong fans.

The rugby club in Iowa that my father founded in 1973 still thrives today. Some of the players he coached decades ago are now coaching the next generation. They participate in alumni events and show up to games as often as possible to support current players. Similarly, the primary club I played for—OLD BLUE RFC—was founded in 1963 and continues to thrive. Hundreds of people attend our annual Hall of Fame dinner, and for our 50th anniversary, 400 people showed up to celebrate.

A unique aspect of rugby in America is that, for 99% of players, rugby is their second sport. Most people hold a rugby ball for the first time after the age of 18—sometimes well into their 20s. The number of 28-year-old athletes, unfulfilled by other sports, who discover their second athletic love in rugby is incredible. Many say things like, “Where has this sport been my whole life?” or “I’m never playing football again.”

One of the beautiful things about rugby is that there’s a position for every type of athlete and every body type. On the women’s college team I currently coach (as well as a men’s college team), we have about 20 players, representing a wide variety of athletic backgrounds. Among them are hockey players, water polo athletes, basketball players, cross-country runners, sprinters, ballerinas, soccer players, throwers, volleyball players, a cheerleader, a fencer, and a softball player. Each one brings unique skills and experiences to the team.

Most athletes who transition to rugby feel unfulfilled in recreational leagues or intramurals. In contrast, college and adult rugby clubs travel long distances and host visiting teams every weekend. Everyone is learning something new together, and self-coaching is a huge part of the culture. Almost all players start with zero experience.

Rugby clubs never have “cuts”—everyone is welcome. On my men’s college team, there’s a young man who likes to run around at practice, but he describes himself as a terrible athlete and lacks confidence in his skills. So, he became the team manager. Though he doesn’t feel comfortable playing in games, he’s absolutely beloved by the team. On game days, he records video, collects stats, and coordinates tournament schedules. Last week, however, we were short on players for the “B” side match, so he stepped in to help. He was nervous, but he did great! We won that match, and he was incredibly proud.

He may never be an “A” side player, but rugby gave him a community he wouldn’t have had otherwise. He once told me he hadn’t had a single friend in a year, and now, he’s part of a brotherhood. If that kind of acceptance doesn’t reflect Jesus, I don’t know what does.

Adults need sports too. Yes, I’m launching a youth rugby league, but I’m equally excited to build an adult rugby team! Casual “touch rugby nights” and “Rugby 101” sessions for men and women, as well as competitive men’s and women’s teams for those who want to pursue the sport at a higher level.

And for those who think they’re too old? There are “old boys” leagues. The oldest rugby rookie I ever met picked up the game in his 50s and played for over ten years. He’s a surgeon and has performed surgeries on players of all ages through the years—still to this day.

I’m excited to see how God can build relationships through rugby—where people can talk about real life and real hope.

FEAR NOT, ADULTS! Your athletic career isn’t over. In fact, your athletic journey is just beginning. Come join rugby!