Rugby Rocks

Not that I know really anything about it. Except that it's way more fun than football. The action is non-stop, similar to hockey or soccer--none of those mind-numbing timeouts. You can throw the ball to almost anyone and play doesn't stop when the ball hits the ground. When teams are trying to grab or block a throw in, they hoist a skinny guy up by his shorts into the air. We've seen the national team play a few times and loved it. Rugby is big here in Arusha and you can have lunch/dinner at the fields in the bar and watch the professional teams have at it.

Cameron's chasing a Simonson. The Simonson name is legendary here among missionary and development circles. Dave and Eunice raised 3 large excellent rugby players. It's clear that the genes have been passed to the next generation, but Cameron's giving it his very best shot!

Crazily enough, Cameron loves to play. Crazy because he's never really been interested in team ball sports before. Crazy because you don't play with pads. Crazy because he's, well, the teensiest bit frail looking (he just read this and is objecting to "frail", but I didn't say he was frail). But he's having a great time, so he signed up for the interschool rugby games this weekend. I was a bit worried when they took the field--fielding 6th-10th grade boys on the teams! A few minor adjustments to the rules and they were off.

I myself would be careful about just leaping into a tackle with a bunch of 15 year olds! But if they don't stop the ball carrier and get the ball away from him, he'll just lob it to the next kid on his team and the play continues!

Oops! Interception! Good hands, Cameron--unfortunately, Mr. Red Shoes snagged the ball and is off. We had a great time cheering everyone on.


Cameron's house team came in second for the weekend sports event, which made them feel good. The whole school from kindergarden through 10th grade is divided into 3 teams. During these sports days, the kids compete to earn points to win the house cup at the end of the year. This weekend there was swimming, volleyball, netball, soccer, basketball, cricket, and rugby. They also have a couple track and field meets during the year as well. Everyone participates, all the parents turn out, everyone cheers everyone else on--a great weekend.