Jacob Rhodes: From an unknown sport to newfound passion

“Rugby has the best bond between players more than any other team.”

That’s according to Jacob Rhodes, a junior on the Penn Boys Rugby team. 

Rhodes started playing rugby towards the middle of his freshman year and hasn’t looked back. He says that the best thing about the team, is the bond.

“Rugby has the best bond between players more than any other team I’ve been a part of so it’s motivating to go out and play for the guy next to you,” said Rhodes.

During these three years, he has grown a passion for rugby and in his experience, it has been nothing short of a brotherhood all united because of their passion for rugby. 

“My friend told me about it so I gave it a try and was instantly hooked because of the similarities to football but also the uniqueness of learning a new sport,” Rhodes said. 

Rhodes said his friend was the reason he came out and played rugby in the middle of freshman year.

“Seeing the hard work I put in whether it is a win or making a play it feels great to watch the work you put in pay off,” Rhodes said. 

Rhodes has brought a great impact to Penn Rugby whether it’s his motivating speeches before a game, or him bringing up his teammates when they are down. Fellow teammate Roman Williams, a junior, has been with Rhodes since the beginning when they both started playing freshman year.

“Rhodes and I started playing at the same time our freshman, so growing alongside him as a player and all my fellow teammates is a huge part of why I want to play, and I hope to build the chemistry of a championship squad,” said Williams.

In his freshman year, the varsity team qualified for the national tournament where only the best teams in the country attended and fought for the title of being the best team in the country. Williams hopes they can build chemistry between them like the varsity team had his freshman year and also compete in the national tournament.

“What I gained as a player from Rhodes is the willpower to better myself constantly. Since I know he’s trying his hardest, I know that I have to put in just as much as he is. If he’s doing his job, I have to do mine,” said Williams. 

Williams says Rhodes motivates him and pushes him to do his best.

“Seeing the amount of effort Rhodes puts into rugby makes me want to match his effort and play just as hard as him. The times he’s been my captain he knows how to bring the best out of every player and rally the team,” says Williams.

Rhodes has brought a lot to the table for Penn Rugby. He has continuously been a motivating leader and player on and off the field, whether it’s a motivating speech before a game or keeping everyone in a positive mindset throughout the game. He is always bringing forth his best effort and bringing out his teammate’s best effort. He not only focuses on bettering himself but also bettering the whole team.