Ruined by the Rugby Team

“Urgh!”

“Guhh!”

“Mmpf!”

Deep, bestial noises echo across the field.

Pounding footsteps and thudding bodies create a masculine chorus that fills the autumn air. Hanging low on the horizon, the sun casts long shadows beneath the older students while they play my favorite sport.

Rugby.

I was on the football team in high school, but we never had a formal rugby program. I was limited to playing after class with my friends.

But now that I’m in college, things are different. An expanded sports program…a gym and pool open to students…a cafeteria packed with cuisine from around the world…this university has it all. I’ve only been here a couple weeks, and I already love it.

“Damn! Somebody’s gonna get killed.” My girlfriend stands beside me, holding my arm while watching the jocks slam into each other in their pursuit of the ball.

“Nah, they’re fine.” I grin. “But you see the tape they’re wearing on their ears? It’s to prevent permanent damage. This sport can get pretty brutal.”

She clings to me tighter, causing my heart to beat fast. Her name is Ashley, and we got together during our final year of high school. We made a special promise to attend the same college together. Most high school romances end quickly, but we’re serious. She’s important to me. I can see us growing old together…

“You just gonna watch?” One of the rugby players sees me and waves. “Come give it a try!”

“O-oh, I don’t know.” I flash a nervous smile.

These guys are out of my league. I’d just make a fool of myself.

“Go on! Make some friends!” My girlfriend gives me a shove forward.

“We’ve got a newbie!” the jock calls out while everyone stops playing and gathers around.

The college boys encircle me, their sweaty skin glistening in the evening light. My knees quiver while I scan their faces. These guys are beasts. They’ll destroy me if I play.

“Bro, what’s your name?” the jock says.

I look up and down his shirtless form, taking in the sight of his ripped abs and full pecs. His skin is lightly tan, and he’s got a pair of tight, erect brown nipples. Above his rounded shoulders and thick traps, he’s got a boyish, playful face. Long, curly black hair spills onto his forehead, drawing my gaze toward his bushy eyebrows and amber eyes. An excited, almost silly grin is plastered across his face.

“A-Alex.” I force my name out.

“Well, nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Kane, the team captain.”

“Is it really alright for me to play? I was on the football team in high school, but I’ve never played rugby competitively before. It was always just for fun.”

“Yeah, bro! That’s great actually. We’re still building our team for the season, and we’ve got one spot left to fill. Consider this your audition!”

He thrusts the ball into my hands.

Firm, and textured, it’s made of worn synthetic leather. It has a size and density that puts a typical football to shame. Something about the object oozes masculinity. It calls out, awakening a primal part of my brain.

A smile creeps across my face, and I strip off my shirt.

“Alright. Let’s play!”

Kane assigns me to an opposing team, and we huddle up.

“Ok, buddy. My name’s Drew.” A short, blocky guy pats me on the back. “I want you to show me what you’re made of. You’ll be our openside flanker.”

Drew gives a cocky grin, dimples forming in his stubbled cheeks. I can’t tell if he’s serious. The flankers are extremely physical players. They get in the thick of the action and make tackles. I’m one of the smallest guys here. Hell, Drew is built like a brick wall. His dense chest is coated in a curly mat of brown hair, but it does little to hide his thick muscles.

No…he’s definitely serious. His blue eyes focus on me with a sense of determination. Maybe he really thinks I can handle this?

I should feel honored.

“Alright. I’ll do my best.” I nod.

We break, and the game begins. Things start slow, but the ball eventually emerges from the scrum. Drew passes to me with a crisp, clean throw. My forearms flex as I catch and clutch it tight against my body. The cool evening air stings my face as I scan the field for opportunities. Initiating a swift lateral pass, I send the ball sailing toward the fly-half, initiating an offensive move.

I barely know these guys, but we work like a well-oiled machine. As the game gets into full swing, it begins to feel like I’m back on the football field in high school. I might not be as muscular as the other guys here, but I can hold my own. It’s an exhilarating feeling.

My girlfriend cheers from the sidelines, motivating me to push harder.

The sun soon dips behind the horizon, putting an end to the action. I wipe sweat from my forehead while jogging to the huddle at the center of the field.

“Damn. You guys played well.” Kane takes a swig from a water bottle. “The newbie was carrying the team.”

“Nah, I just got lucky.” My cheeks glow a bit red.

“What was your name again? Allen?”

“Alex…”

“Right. Well, Alex, your team won tonight. You had some awfully clean passes…I think you earned a spot on the team.”

“Dude!” My eyes widen. “Are you serious?! Just like that? It’s that easy?”

“Well, for the most part.” He laughs. “The first few weeks will be a probationary period. We’ll want to make sure you can hold up during training. You’ll need to be a team player too.”

“Yeah, team culture is important here.” Drew cuts in. “But work hard for these first few weeks, and you’ll earn your spot. Think of this as a brotherhood. You’ll become close with everyone here.”

“A-alright! I accept!” I smile from ear to ear, struggling to contain my enthusiasm.

“Sick. We train in the afternoons. I’ll text you the details,” Kane says. “Welcome aboard.”

“You were on fire!” Ashley waves as I jog back toward her.

My muscular pecs bounce with each step, A shiver races down my spine as the night air chills my sweaty skin, reminding me to put on my shirt.

“They want me to join the team.”

“Woah!” Her eyes widen. “I’ll be dating a rugby boy…but don’t get hurt though, alright?”

“Don’t worry—I’ll be fine. I’ll keep my ears taped.” I laugh and throw an arm around her shoulders.

Pulling her close, we walk the college campus to our dorms. It feels like I’m floating—this is surreal. I’ve been struggling to make friends ever since starting school, and Ashley has been my only companion. It’ll be nice to meet other guys. Things are really starting to look up.