Fringes Life On The Edge Of Professional Rugby

In the glamorous world of professional rugby, where the spotlight shines brightly on the stars who grace the field with their exceptional talent, there exists a whole different realm filled with athletes who live on the edge - the fringes of professional rugby. While their names may not be known by average fans, their impact and contribution to the sport cannot be understated.

The Journey Begins

For most aspiring rugby players, the dream is to one day join the ranks of the elite, to represent their country, and to play on the grandest stages of them all. However, this road is not an easy one to tread. Countless hours of training, sacrifice, and dedication are necessary to even get a glimpse of professional rugby.

The fringes of professional rugby are populated by those who have come close to achieving their dreams but have not yet been able to break through. These individuals may have tasted success at lower levels, representing their local clubs or regional teams, but the door to the big leagues remains just out of reach.

Fringes: Life on the Edge of Professional Rugby

by Ben Mercer(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1083 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Sacrifices Made

Life on the fringes of professional rugby is a delicate balancing act. The pursuit of a professional career requires sacrifices that most people cannot comprehend. These athletes invest everything they have into their rugby journey. From the grueling physical training sessions to the intensely competitive matches, their lives revolve around the oval-shaped ball and the pursuit of perfection.

Personal relationships often take a back seat, as free time is a luxury that is simply not available to those on the fringes. The pressure to perform and be noticed is immense, and any respite from training is spent analyzing their own game, strategizing, and searching for that one breakthrough moment that could propel them into the limelight.

Forging Bonds

One aspect that sets the fringes of professional rugby apart is the camaraderie that exists within this community. These athletes understand each other's struggles, their dreams, and their aspirations. They share a common goal that unites them - each one striving to break through and make a name for themselves in the rugby world.

In training camps, locker rooms, and team meetings, these individuals find solace in the presence of like-minded souls who are going through similar experiences. Bonds are forged that can last a lifetime, as they share not only the physical toil but also the mental and emotional challenges that come with walking the path less traveled in the rugby world.

Embracing the Uncertain

One of the defining characteristics of life on the fringes of professional rugby is the uncertainty that permeates every facet of these athletes' existence. Promotions, contracts, and signings are never guaranteed. It is a constant battle against doubt and the fear of rejection that makes their journey all the more remarkable.

Yet, despite the uncertainty, these athletes persist. They continue to train, to fight for their chance, and to prove their worth. Their unwavering belief in their abilities and their willingness to persevere against all odds is a testament to their character and their love for the game.

Life on the fringes of professional rugby is a unique and often overlooked aspect of the sport. Behind the scenes, away from the bright lights and adoring fans, there are countless individuals sacrificing everything for their shot at glory. Their commitment, resilience, and determination deserve recognition.

The fringes of professional rugby are not just a temporary stop for these athletes; they are a stepping stone towards fulfilling their dreams. The rugby world owes a debt of gratitude to these unsung heroes who keep pushing the boundaries, challenging themselves, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with life on the edge of professional rugby.

Fringes: Life on the Edge of Professional Rugby

by Ben Mercer(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1083 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Updated edition of the #1 Amazon Bestseller
LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE 2020

Sports books tend to detail extraordinary achievements, triumphs against the odds or commemorate World Cup winning captains.

This book does not do that.

For many, playing professional sport is the Dream Job. Few manage it, very few make it to the top and for the rest, life is very different. This is their story.

In Fringes, Ben Mercer invites you to witness life at the outer edges of professional rugby. This is a first hand account of what life is like as a journeyman professional athlete. You play, but to the wider public you don't exist. You earn but you don't drive a flash car. You sometimes pack out a stadium but sometimes, you play in a deserted park. This is the story for the majority of sports professionals. Only the minority taste the top, only one person gets to lift the cup or win the medal, only 15 get to play for England at any one time. For the rest, that’s not the case.

Ben Mercer is a former professional rugby player who after becoming disillusioned and uninspired plying his trade in the English Second Division, accepted an offer out of the blue to go to France and do something different - help an amateur team turn professional. This is a first hand account of what life is like in the lower reaches of professional sport - where your employment status is as precarious as your health and barely anyone will know your name.

It's about how it feels to live year to year, with teammates constantly on the move. It's about how professionalism irreversibly changes the French club Stade Rouennais as they move up the divisions, about the tension between progress and identity in a rugby team. It's also about how it feels to actually be out there on the field, how it feels to occasionally do something extraordinary and how it feels when this is no longer enough for you to make the sacrifices that you need to make to keep playing.

There's no ghostwriting, it's an unmitigated meditation on how it feels and what it means to play rugby for a living, to dedicate yourself to an uncompromising but occasionally beautiful game.

If you've wanted to know what life is really like as a professional athlete, on the Fringes, away from the glitz and glamour of the international game then look no further.