I've been doing this for over 10 years, have watched many forms of rugby and have interviewed many invovled from various backgrounds from rugby union to league and so on. However one form of rugby I've always been intrigued by is Touch Rugby. By accident, happy accident to me, I came across an amazing person named Jordan Heller. Already with a national team cap Jordan is destined to be a strong pillar in moving the game of rugby for women in either touch or union.
JH- Started playing touch rugby in 2019. Went to my first touch Nationals in Chula Vista (honestly had no idea what I was doing). We actually learned quite a bit of strategy from a (now) good friend of mine the morning before the tournament started lol.
LLR-What position do you currently play?
JH- For mixed touch, I play link. I've never had the chance to play all womens. But at touch nationals this October, I got to play middle the whole tournament for the mixed open division, which was awesome.
LLR-What drew you to touch rugby?
JH- A friend of mine (shout-out Ryan Kretchmar) reached out to my husband and I to join the team for the lead up to Nationals in 2019. We were all very new to touch, but a lot of us agree that it was one of our most memorable and fun tournments we've ever played in.
LLR- What similarities are there between traditional rugby union and touch rugby?
JH- Set positions, play calls, defensive and offense strategies, passing the ball backwards.
LLR- Aside from the amount of contact what are some difference's between the two?
JH- Smaller heavier ball, 6 on the field for touch vs. 15 for union, hockey style subs during live play, no kicking in touch, ball to ground at any point in touch is a turnover (even if it goes backwards), touch offers coed divisions, tons of rules when your get in and around the tryline in touch (I could go on and on lol)
LLR- What was the emotions you felt when you learned you'd be representing USA rugby touch at the world cup this past year?
JH- As an athlete, to get the opportunity to represent your country is pretty cool, and the dream of a lot of athletes. So to be able to achieve that is something I'll always treasure. Something cool to tell my son about one day haha.
LLR- For those who aren't aware, what was the preparation like in lead up to the world cup ?
JH- For me personally, it was extremely fulfilling. After having a baby mid 2022, I honestly wasn't sure what my athletic future was going to be like. But after being selected for the team, I trained harder than ever. We had several team training camps in the year leading up to the world cup, fitness benchmarks we were expected to reach and I took those very seriously. And without a doubt, I became the most fit I had ever been my entire life. I've also been able to keep up with that fitness, and carried that over into tackle rugby.
LLR- What union club team did you play for?
JH- For union, I play for the Austin Valkyries, women's D1 team in Austin Texas. And for touch I play for Austin Touch Rugby.
LLR- What was a highlight playing union?
JH- Biggest highlight was probably making it to the national championship in 2019. We unfortunately lost by 2 points, but that entire season was incredible. Winning the game vs. Glendale to make it to the national championship was also a major highlight because we had some many fans, friends and family there since it was played in Austin. So it made for a really cool experience in the last match before the final. Another teammate and I were also selected that year to attend a USA Rugby camp where they scout for the national team. So I guess that's something cool
LLR- This past year women's rugby experienced a explosion of popularity , where would you like to see the women's game in 5 years and lead up to the 2033 world cup?
JH- For rugby in general, I would love to see rugby in the US started at a much earlier age like other top tier rugby countries. A lot of kids grow up watching, playing and Learning the game. Most of my friends didn't pick up the sport until college level or later. Would be great to see more youth programs across the country.
For the women's game specifically, I think there needs to stop being a stigma around age and what a woman can accomplish at various stages and ages of life. I've heard way too many stories about women being thought of as "too old" for various squads or selections, based on them being in their late 20s. Hell, I'm 34 and am at the top of my game AND that's even after having a baby.
That's actually one of the reasons I am so glad that I found touch rugby. When you get to the highest level, you can actually compete not only for a spot on the top level (where anyone from any age can make the team) or you can compete for a spot on a age group team. Pretty cool.
LLR- Can players play both union and touch rugby?
JH- Definitely! As long as your schedule allows, go for it. In fact, I think playing touch adds a level of quickness to your game that might even give you a slight advantage when transitioning back to union.
LLR- To the potential players who maybe on the fence about coming out or maybe playing the touch rugby, what would you like to tell them about taking the chance to come out?
JH- Honestly, with any sport, just give it a go. You'll never know unless you try. In my experience, rugby (touch or union) has the most welcoming community for new players, and when you're in, you're in. I've made some of my best friends for life playing both touch and union. And I can guarantee most teams are always looking for new players to expand the program.
LLR- Any last words of encouragement or advice you'd like to share ?
JH- I don't think so!
LLR- How can everyone follow you ?
JH- jordan_elena on Instagram
* I truly hope you all enjoy getting to learn a bit about the world of touch rugby as much as I did AND getting to know Jordan. Thanks again to Jordan I deeply appreciate you for taking the time to answer the questions let alone agreeing to do this Q&A. The future truly looks bright.
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