Conan Back In Green: Fatherhood & Rugby

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Conan Back in Green: Fatherhood & Rugby - A Dad's Perspective

Hey everyone, so, Conan O'Brien never actually played rugby, right? But I did – back in the day – and now, juggling dad life with a sudden resurgence of my rugby "career" (let's call it a re-emergence) is, well, a wild ride. This isn't about being the next professional rugby star; it's about finding balance, and, let's be honest, a little bit of myself again.

The Unexpected Comeback

It all started innocently enough. A friend from my old team texted, "Fancy a run-out? We're short a player." Short a player, eh? Suddenly, I was back on that familiar pitch, the smell of freshly cut grass, the roar of the crowd, though it was a much smaller crowd this time than my glory days (which were, to be fair, pretty modest!).

My kids, bless 'em, were stoked. They think their old man is some kind of rugby legend. My 7-year-old, Liam, even tried to tackle me in the garden – that little dude has some serious energy. I’m pretty sure it ended with him crying, and me in a heap on the lawn. That’s fatherhood for you!

The Juggling Act: Rugby, Dad Life, and Sleep Deprivation

It's been a tough adjustment. Training twice a week, plus games on Sundays... it cuts into family time big time. My wife, bless her heart, is amazing, but there are nights I feel like I'm failing on both fronts. You know, that feeling of being perpetually behind, constantly chasing my tail? That's been the reality.

One Saturday, I completely messed up. Liam's soccer game coincided with my rugby practice. I tried to do both – big mistake. I rushed between fields, completely stressed out, and I missed Liam's winning goal because I was trying to make it to the rugby scrum. That night, we had a big family chat. The kids actually helped me with a schedule that worked better. Kids are smarter than you think, huh?

Lesson learned: Prioritization is key. Family time is non-negotiable. And honestly? Sometimes, you just gotta say no to extra rugby practice.

Finding the Balance: Tips from a (Slightly Over-the-Hill) Rugby Dad

This whole experience has been a learning curve. I wouldn't trade it, even with the exhaustion, but here’s what I've figured out so far:

• Realistic Scheduling: Don’t overcommit. Be honest about your time constraints. You're not superhuman, even if your kids think you are.

• Delegate Tasks: My wife and I share the household chores. It's not always equal, but we make it work. Finding a good balance for the whole family is key.

• Quality over Quantity: Those few hours I spend with my kids are 100% focused. No phone, no distractions, just us. It's amazing how much you can fit into a shorter time-frame when your completely present.

• Me Time: I need time for myself, to de-stress. Even 15 minutes a day doing something just for me does wonders. Everyone needs some alone time.

• Embrace the Chaos: Fatherhood and rugby are both chaotic endeavors. You can plan and prep, but ultimately, you're going to need to embrace the messiness. Sometimes, it's better to go with the flow rather than resist.

The Unexpected Benefits

Despite the challenges, there are huge upsides. I'm fitter, healthier, and the extra testosterone is helping keep up with my super-powered kids (at least for a little while longer, haha). The kids are also proud, which, in itself, is worth it.

Plus, I've rediscovered a part of myself I thought I'd lost. That feeling of camaraderie, the thrill of competition... it’s amazing. So, while it's tough, balancing fatherhood and rugby is a journey I'm happy to be on. It's a unique challenge, one that's teaching me so much about myself and my family. Hopefully, my story helps other dads out there to find their balance too. Maybe someday they can write their own story!