Celebrating One Year

I’m a firm believer in being open and inviting change. Evolving as a human, a player, or leader requires a curious mind and willingness to accept that what you thought was the best thing for you a year ago isn’t what is best for you today.

Just a little over a year ago, the idea for Bottom of the Ruck was born. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had been at a work conference, overstimulated, close to burn out, and searching for something else as I approached my later years.

I found one of the few places in the convention center devoid of human presence. Tucked away from the noise and people I sat in silent reflection. My rugby playing career was mostly over and I was nearing the end of a long tenure as a club administrator. I planned to stay involved with my local club, but I was looking for something more. This is where Bottom of the Ruck was born.

It took a few months to make it a reality and the past year has been a whirlwind to say the least. Expecting a similar experience to my past work writing in the rugby space, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Grassroots rugby is alive and well, despite what we’re being told. Is it perfect? No. However, there is a great deal of beauty in those imperfections. That’s what gives it depth, meaning, and purpose. I can’t help but to be romantic about the thought of people, across the globe, carrying on our sport despite all the challenges that we face.

There is so much inspiration in that.

Now, more than ever, we need to continue to lift each other up. That is really how Bottom of the Ruck came to life. All I wanted to do is lift up grassroots rugby, one post like, one comment, and one share at a time. Small, micro-actions deliberately taken in support of our sport and community. Done without any expectations, only for the sake of helping in some extremely small way.

Having been on admin side of the sport for decades, each and every follow, like, and share is welcomed with open arms. Many small actions, coupled together, can become something significant.

The rugby world is blessed with a horde of fans, players, creators, and clubs doing the same thing. Sharing all things that are great, albeit messy, about the grassroots. Genuine experiences, not products that are polished to give the illusion of perfection. I can’t say enough about everyone out there lifting up the sport and drawing attention to the grassroots.

We need as many grassroots champions as we can get!

One year into this venture, it has exceeded my expectations in most ways. I found something more than I could have imagined. Pieces of myself that I forgot existed started to return. Parts of myself that had been covered by masks over the years. Brought back from the brink by surrounding myself with genuine interactions which are hard to find in the world of social media.

What does the future hold for Bottom of the Ruck?

More grassroots rugby at all levels, of course! I want to see more of Clubland, meet more people, see new places, and experience other cultures through rugby. Through that, I hope to continue to spread the positive aspects of our sport.

One small action at a time.