Congratulations to Conor Egan, our Player of the Month!
Position: Wing, Fullback
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 152 lbs
Year: Rising Junior
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Glen Rock, NJ
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I played football from 3rd grade through high school, and it was always a very important element of my life. I knew that at University, I wanted to continue playing a high contact sport at a competitive level, and rugby seemed like a great choice. I went to my first practice during welcome week and haven’t looked back since.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
First of all, I absolutely love having a regular outlet for physical, athletic competition. However, I think the camaraderie/community is what makes Michigan Rugby in particular special. Michigan Rugby is my community both on and off the field. The people who support me in rucks are the same ones who support me in academia and in my personal life. The same people who I turn to to pass the ball are the ones I turn to when I have a problem in my life, or when I just want to kick back and have fun. The fact that all of us are united with one cause creates a dynamic that results in an incredibly close-knit group. The off the field aspect of our team enhances the on the field aspect, and vice versa. I have never been this close with any group of people or community, and I don’t know if I ever will be after this. The alumni network is remarkably strong as well; there are many Michigan Rugby alumni who I consider friends that I never had the chance to play with myself. I was only introduced to these people due to the club’s strong tie with its alumni, fostered in part by Olde Boys weekend. Olde Boys was a very strange experience my freshman year, but with each passing year it seems I’ll be looking forward to it more and more. The emphasis Michigan Rugby places on its alumni creates a strong feeling of legacy, and lets me know that I will still have a place here after I have graduated.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
My most memorable moment on the field is probably the Minnesota game during last XVs season, during my sophomore year (Fall 2019). It was our first Big Ten game of the season, as well as the first A-side XVs game that I started in. Coming into my freshman year, I hadn’t played any rugby, so it meant a lot to me that I was able to work my way up to this spot. Knowing that my efforts in the last year had paid off and that I was about to step onto the field to represent the University of Michigan was a great feeling. Our team had felt electric since two-a-days, and that energy was incredibly tangible coming into this match. I was very happy with our performance that game. Despite an early try by Minnesota, we really came together and played as a unit, rallying to win by a score of 43-14. It was one of those games where our whole team really clicked, and the resulting feeling was super rewarding. We were on the up, and our goals felt all the more achievable from there on out, especially considering only the year before, we had lost to Minnesota during the regular season. On a personal note, I felt like a real part of the victory alongside the rest of my teammates, whereas the previous year I had mostly watched topside games. In a year that was riddled with injury for me, this was a standout moment that I won’t forget.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
The games we play at the beginning of practice, such as can jam, Aussie touch, and ball steal are definitely among my favorite. They are a fun and competitive way to get the blood pumping as practice begins, while emphasising important, live rugby skills at the same time. I always regret spending so much energy during these games, considering we usually run the Bronco immediately after (Go Nerds). As for my least favorite, I guess I am not a fan of drills where we run an offense against a defense, such as in a 3 on 3, in a touch setting. I get why that sort of thing is important to improve our sight and our ability to run our offense, but it can be frustrating at the same time. One example is when you know you have room to run, but someone is able to reach out their hands and barely touch you, even though there’s no way they would’ve tackled you. Plus, being on defense in those types of drills is pretty boring, as there isn’t much for you to do other than make a touch.
What other sports have you played?
In addition to playing football, I also wrestled throughout high school. Before that, I spent a fair amount of years playing lacrosse, basketball, and baseball. Rugby is definitely my favorite sport that I have played, though.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
I would be pretty happy to be working in video game development five years from now. That being said, I’m not hard-set on that, so I can also see myself doing something different. Hopefully, assuming my body holds up, I’ll also be playing rugby on a men’s team somewhere.
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
Once, during a 6th grade travel baseball game, I got in a fight with a mom from the other team. I was suspended for two games.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
My favorite place in Ann Arbor, without a doubt, is the house in which myself and many other rugby players happen to live. I was tempted to say Mitchell field, but when I think about it, my rugby memories have happened at many different fields, from Mitchell east, to Mitchell west, to Oosterbaan, to the various fields at other Universities, and so on. One throughline throughout all of these locations is my teammates and friends. When I have long graduated, I will remember these people far more than the various locations, and the place I have spent the most time with these people is at our home, whether any individual person actually lives there or not. Like I mentioned earlier, the community is one of the pillars that makes Michigan Rugby special, and despite the countless hours my teammates and I have put onto the field, I’ve spent even more time with these people off the field. This house that myself and many of my teammates live at… it reminds me of all the memories I have at this University, as well as how special the Michigan Rugby community really is, and how fortunate I am to be a part of it.
What is your biggest fear?
I don’t know if this is morbid or whatever, but my biggest fear is of time. I am terrified of running out of time too soon, no longer being able to do my favorite activities, having regrets, that sort of thing. The fact that I am already halfway done with college completely terrifies me, especially since COVID neutered some of last year, and will probably continue to do so to the year ahead. I’m doing my best to make the most out of the time I do have here, so that when it’s all said and done, I can look back fondly on these years without too many ‘what ifs’.
What is your favorite food?
Without taking healthiness into account, the obvious choice for me is double-stuffed oreos. I can’t buy them anymore because I don’t have self-control, and if you put a package of them in front of me, they’ll be gone within the day. Typically, I’ll go 2-3 months without eating any, and then one day while I’m back in New Jersey, I’ll come home to find a box or two in our pantry. The next few days will be among my lowest, and I’ll feel like crap afterwards, but I know it’s worth it. When it comes to healthy foods, I think muscle milk is quite the marvel of science. I don’t understand how they are able to fit 25 grams of protein into 160 calories and still make it taste like chocolate. It’s an incredibly convenient way to get protein that I highly recommend, and it’s great to consume after a lift. Lastly, I feel obligated to give a shoutout to Subway, the meatball marinara sandwich in particular (footlong on italian herbs and cheese, with mozzarella, toasted, plus lettuce). It’s not my number one favorite meal, but it’s great. Its location in Ann Arbor is also very convenient, and it’s largely underrated by the Michigan Rugby community.
Do you have any game-day superstitions?
Back when I played football, I would always listen to specific songs before games, but to be honest, I think it hurt me more than it helped. I would get in my own head a bit too much, and that wouldn’t be helpful for gameday performance. Nowadays, I still try to get in the right headspace and remind myself of certain techniques I should be using. However, I also try to keep it a bit more lighthearted than I used to, in order to quell nerves and allow me to just play my game. Hey man, let’s go play rugby. Let’s have some fun.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Spider-man has always been a favorite of mine. His super power would be awesome to use, yet he isn’t invincible or overpowered. Plus, he knows how to have fun, even while he’s doing something high-stakes.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Say hi to people before they say hi to you.
Again, congratulations to our July Player of the Month, Conor Egan!
