Major League Rugby is underway! With some impressive wins and tough losses already in the first round, I've been viewing these games on repeat for the entire week. As games start off this weekend, I've been thinking, what are my essentials for when I watch the Warriors play?
Now, forgive me for blabbering that out when I'm supposed to remain unbiased but hey, they're my home team! Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, I can't help but get behind them. Plus, it's unarguable that they always have the best kit (jerseys) is the MLR lineup.
Anyway, back to what I was saying, I obviously don't make a big production out of every single rugby game I watch. But when the Warriors are on, especially against a big team like the Seawolves, Legion, or RUNY, I've gotta get ready to really cheer my boys on out there.
Obviously with COVID-19 restrictions still in play, it's difficult if at all possible to get yourself tickets to these games. Though some can do it, the masses can't so pay attention, because here is my list of the five essential elements to your rugby viewing experience.
Number 1: A Streaming Service
It goes without saying that when watching rugby, you need to have the service that allows you to watch live rugby. Lucky for you, this year, the MLR announced a new streaming platform that will push out all the rugby games this year... for FREE! The Rugby Network should be your go-to if you're an American rugby fan. It also includes some originals from Rugby Pass, the leading rugby streaming service outside of the United States, so between games you'll be able to load up on plenty of rugby action!
Number 2: A TV
Another obvious one, a TV. Without a TV set you won't be able to get the full rugby experience. You'll either miss some of the action because you're watching rugby is 1/100th it's normal size, or you won't be able to look up stats of players while the game is going on because you're already using your phone to watch the game! A full size TV is important, especially when you take into account number 3. If you're looking for a great TV, you can refer to this article published by Nicholas DI Giovanni last month.
Number 3: Your Mates
Rugby is a team sport and, like it or not, its best watched with your own personal team. Some of my most treasured rugby viewing experiences are those games I've watched with my 8 year old little brother who has gone from not knowing what the sport is to being obsessed with it in just two years. He asks me first thing every time I see him if we can go toss the ball around. He's really become my team. So regardless of where I'm watching rugby or what game I'm watching, if my brother is there, it's all the better. If you absolutely can't get together with you mates to talk about the game twitter and reddit are full of rugby fans talking about the games as they happen.
Number 4: Snacks
Ah, snacks... the biggest reason the Super Bowl has gone from just a sporting event to a veritable national holiday that may just be in the same league as the 4th of July or Saint Patrick's Day. Everybody loves the wings, the dips, the endless array of cream cheese filled randomness. Now if we can't pull a little bit of that into rugby, then we certainly can't expect it to grow in the United States. After all we are a people who eats... A LOT. My personal favorite snack for my weekly dose of rugby is homemade salsa and tortilla chips. If you're looking for an incredible recipe, go here.
Number 5: Drinks
For me, I can't enjoy rugby to it's fullest without some kind of drink in hand. Even if that ends up being water because my wife enforces a strict law against over-drinking caffeine in the evenings, I have to have something. My go-to is without a doubt Mountain Dew, preferably the kind with real sugar in it rather than high-fructose corn syrup. I also dig Mountain Dew White-Out, Voltage, Baja Blast (can you what my favorite beverage company is yet?) or even whatever limited-edition flavor they release during this portion of the year, (this year it's Major Melon.) I try to get all their flavors in my belly at some point, that's what I use this Wikipedia page for. It tells me where exactly to get each flavor.
Now because I don't have a partnership with Mountain Dew, I promise, I will tell you if you want a beer, go grab a beer. If you want to be healthier, grab some water or for you classy folk out there, some tea. Whatever it is, I swear to you that having a drink in your hand instantly amps up your viewing experience.
Watching rugby for many is an experience that is simply enjoyable, but if you want to take it to the next level so rather than just being something you kinda do, it becomes a sacred ordinance inviting you to thoroughly enjoy the next 2 hours of your life, I suggest you take these and implement them into your viewing of the next big game your team plays. It will change rugby for you.
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