Interview with teammate Professor Matthew Crane

Photo by Angel Arcalle on Unsplash

My interview was with a PCB Hurricanes teammate Matthew Crane who is also a professor here at Gulf Coast the interview I conducted with him was why rugby is important and how he became a rugby player. From the introduction we talked about trying to get a group going here at Gulf Coast and showing students how fun it would be to play the sport of rugby. Professor Crane talks about playing rugby in college and different parts of the world he has the knowledge of coaching rugby and he describes rugby as sandlot football. He explains in rugby that when in you tackled your teammates are there to help keep the ball moving unless the ref blows whistle or if there is a penalty or a serious injury.

The question I asked Professor Crane was how could we make rugby more popular here in the States he stated that rugby is an Olympic sport with fifteen players that started in the nineteen thirty’s which is played way longer back then. He explained that a seven’s game is fourteen minutes and more fast paced then a fifteen game which is about eighty minutes long.  He explained the women’s US team won an Olympic bronze medal in Paris. From his perspective trying to get into rugby you want to try and find it on a major platform or streaming service could help to get it more mainstream here in the US. The best way is being a part of a social rugby club and having Professor Crane explaining the game through his point of view on the two teams playing. her important point that Professor Crane emphasized was the culture of rugby and how it differs from many other sports in the United States. He explained that rugby promotes respect, discipline, and teamwork in a way that stands out, especially with how players interact with referees and opponents. Unlike many American sports, players are expected to maintain composure and sportsmanship at all times, which helps build character both on and off the field. This aspect, he noted, is something that could appeal to college students looking for not just competition, but also a sense of community.   First, it builds strong teamwork skills because the game depends on constant support from teammates, players learn how to communicate, trust each other, and work together under pressure. This carries over into real life, helping students in group projects, jobs, and leadership roles. The resilience can translate into handling academic stress and everyday challenges more effectively. Third, it encourages inclusivity and belonging. Rugby clubs often welcome players of all experience levels, creating a supportive environment where beginners can learn and grow. This sense of inclusion can make it easier for students to form friendships and feel connected on campus. Rugby teaches accountability and leadership, as every player has a role, encouraging responsibility, confidence, and growth both on and off field. It strengthens personal responsibility, as teammates rely on each player to show up, stay committed, and contribute, while also creating genuine friendships through shared goals, trust, and consistent teamwork.Interview with Professor Matthew Crane on Rugby