Matthew Daines is our November Player of the Month. Daines burst onto the scene as a freshman in Fall 2021, and he started every game at tighthead prop this past fall. In the spring, Daines hopes to make the first side 7s roster as a prop.
Position: Tighthead Prop
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 220 lbs
Year: Sophomore
Major: Architecture
Hometown: Oakland, MI
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I was looking for something to do to meet people, and saw someone wearing rugby gear and thought that I could probably play.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
It has been great for meeting friends and a good outlet from school. Everyone is kind and helpful towards others. Also the physically competitive factor can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
Against Purdue we were on the 5-meter line and I was given the touch. Lined up against all of their biggest guys, I ran through three of them to score the try.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite would be can jam for sure; while it’s fun it’s also a great way to get moving. Least favorite is passing drills as that is my biggest weakness.
What other sports have you played?
Football and wrestling in high school
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
Working in some sort of construction industry, being happy
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
I cut my lip running with scissors.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
The Diag on a warm sunny day. It feels like a movie–everyone is out and happy.
What is your biggest fear?
The dark
What is your favorite food?
Hamburger!
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I have to stretch in a certain way; otherwise everything feels wrong and I can’t play right.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Superman. While he is super, he is also Clark Kent, a “normal” guy.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
To not take myself too seriously
Again, congratulations to our November Player of the Month, Matthew Daines!
