Tackling things head on

And just like that (click your fingers) I’m now playing rugby in New Zealand.

Well I guess not just like (click your fingers) that, but after googling clubs in Auckland I found the closest one to my neighbourhood (I have a home! Details to come): the Ponsonby Fillies Club. Tonight was my first practice, a wet and chilly night indeed. After speaking with a few of my future teammates, I realised a quick series of interesting facts:

1. New Zealand is the premier country for women’s rugby in the world.

2. Auckland is the premier region for women’s rugby in New Zealand

3. Ponsonby is the premier women’s rugby club in Auckland

The first fact I knew very well, the second seems intuitive now that I think about it, but oh what a hilarious fortune that the third is also true!

Consider me a little intimidated and more than a little afraid. Some of the women give the impression that they would be more than comfortable taking on a Canadian men's club any day of the week. I, on the other hand, would run the other way. I used to have speed. My old age and lack of fitness have taken that away but I hope to get back to top form in a matter of weeks (hey, it’s a possibility if I try really, really hard... probably).

I’m very excited about this new development. I played rugby ages ago in Montreal but it’s now been a solid 4 years since I’ve set foot on a rugby pitch and I truly missed the feeling of getting pummelled and dirty on the field. I knew what I was doing when I joined this club, but imagined myself playing socially on a second’s team! No such luck. I’m told I’ll probably play in Saturday’s game. Most of the teams have NZ nationally ranked players on their rosters. Hopefully upcoming pictures will not feature any gruesome injuries!

Next up, a glimpse into my new 8-person home AND the amazing developments taking place at the NZ GBC, to which I will have a front row seat. It’s an exciting time to be here!