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The game of rugby has one heartbeat; one soul shared by countless millions. A handful of these millions make it their livelihood, but the majority of players make it their Sunday afternoon ritual.
Whether you drive yourself to the grounds, take a train or briskly walk, the anticipation of the morning surges through your veins. The hurried text messages to arrange a rendezvous with teammates add to the anxiety.
The dressing sheds or open fields are dotted with mismatched kit bags. The players do not possess the physique of their professional counterparts, but they are shameless nonetheless.
Each member squeezes into their selected gear: shoulder pads, compression gear, a tight under short, a brace around long injured knees and elbows. Amateur strapping is in the mix of getting ready. The conversation is normally light and filled with humour, but with the underlying knowledge that physicality will be tested.
The smell of heat cream and muscle spray fills the air, fuelling the desire to get out on the field. A ball is tossed around freely between team members, some players focused and others playful.
Once all gear has been fitted, strapped and Velcroed, the final tools of the trade are pulled out of the bag – the boots. Some members have the flashy neon moulded boots designed to make a statement, but the old boys favour the classic black pair.
The boots slip onto the foot like a symbiotic extension of the rugby soul. Laces are pulled tight and the protective layer is held in place by the old-fashioned electrical tape. Nothing feels more natural than putting on the boots and hearing the first click on the cement floor of their metal, screw-in studs.
Walking across to the training area, the sound of the ‘click-clack’ of the boots is music to my ears. It makes my heart beat quicker with joy.
My old pair of eight-studded boots are one of two things that I always make sure that I have when preparing for a game. Boots and a mouthguard are my essentials. Even when practicing or having a light touch-rugby session, I always have my guard in and my boots on. It’s a security that allows me to play the game of heaven.
The games of rugby are always fun. No matter the result or injury toll, I have never turned my back on the game and dream about the ‘click-clack’ of my boots on the floor as I walk from change room to field and back.
The thing with this sound is that it’s a soul shared by amateur and professional alike. It’s the sound that I will remember until the end of my days.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.