As a coach and as a father, I like the words of the Judaic King Solomon, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Our HS & College ruggers aren't exactly children in the physiological sense anymore, but in rugby they are still young and impressionable. I think there are some things about the rugby culture that we should be teaching them now, so that they will continue living the rugby life in a reputable, but fun manner for many years.
1. Treat every rugger with respect. Your coach, the referee, your teammates, your opposition, and the fans all deserve respect. Everyone in the rugby community has practiced hard, worked long hours, and/or put in a lot of time for your day on the pitch to be rewarding, win or lose. Give them the respect they deserve.
2. Socialize with your opposition when the match is over. They play on the opposite side of the ball this season, but you may play beside them on a select-side team, a national team, or whatever college or club team you will be playing for soon enough. So, sit down and talk to them when the match is finished. You never know when your opponent today will become the scrumhalf feeding you the winning try OR a hiring manager tomorrow (I've landed three jobs because of rugby!).
3. When HS & college days are winding down, begin your employment search by contacting the club side in the area where you want to live. These clubs want you playing with them, regardless of your ability or experience. You may have to hammer a nail or pour some concrete while you are waiting to land your dream job, but these folks WILL find you employment of some kind if you pay your club dues, get to practice, and play like you mean it.
4. Give back to the game which gives you great memories. The more I gave to rugby, the more it gave back. I still don't know exactly how that works, but it does. Coach, Referee, Play, Write, Report, Film, or Parent another rugby player. Rugby needs dedicated people everywhere to push this sport forward.
There's a few more things they need to learn, but I like to keep my lists short. Any other lessons to add to this list?
Stay tuned to Ruck Bottom for an upcoming interview with Texas A&M's Director of Rugby, Professor Craig Coates.