For avid rugby fans the World Cup is well under way and excitement levels have been reaching uncontrollable levels. There has already been so much euphoria, and exacerbating frustration, that any chance of you had on concentrating on work, home life, or personal friendships have long been thrown out the window. Indeed such folly is wholly inconsequential compared to the unfolding drama and emotion being felt from the pitch. For too long rugby has played second fiddle to football the so-called beautiful game - in the nations heart. Over the last few years things have started to change however. The public are tired of seeing those multi millionaire twinkle toes diving about, and rolling around on the floor whenever they feel a gust of wind dare to rustle its way through their well preened locks. Joking aside sport has an important part to play in inspiring and motivating not only young people, but people across all age groups. Playing as well as watching sport invokes passion and an inner drive, which for many they find it hard to channel in everyday life. For those not clued up on rugby though it can seem a mysterious and cumbersome sport. With seemingly an encyclopaedias worth of rules and guidelines it is sometimes easy to be scared off before really getting started. But rugby really does have so much to offer. The England Rugby Football Union has put together a short series of videos, which look at how the game of rugby, and the sense of teamwork and togetherness found within grass roots, has a real positive impact on communities. From the discipline it instils, to encouragement it lavishes on people to work hard and demonstrate integrity alongside a desire to win, there is also the message to be gracefulness in defeat. One example of how rugby can really change lives can be seen in the video below, which gives the story of Sammy Green and Jake Smyth. Sammy grew up in East London, and saw much of his early life embroiled in criminality and heading towards a bleak future. His life was turned around for the better when he was helped and supported by Rugby Charity School Of Hard Knocks. Sammy now spends his days working local schools, and mentoring young people within the community. One such young man is Jake, whose life was a similar path to Sammys before rugby took a hold. Mentoring him for free, Sammys involvement has seen Jake start to build a better future away from the disruptiveness and difficulties he created and experienced at school and home. Watch the film to see how Jakes hard work pays off in dramatic style, as he aims towards taking part in a record-breaking rugby event. To find out where your nearest rugby club is visit findrugby.com. Rugby really can be for everyone. Click 'Next' to see 5 Reasons You're Perfect For Rugby.
The Rugby Football Union is the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England, with 2,000 autonomous rugby clubs in its membership.
