Rugby union may be a nuanced game at every level and this sometimes means that the occasional fan – the sort of person who mostly watches internationals – can benefit from the experience of someone better versed in the sport.

This is one of the reasons it is so good to have well-informed bloggers and interpreters of the game writing for this site. For those thinking about blogging about rugby on their own, what is needed? Let’s share some thoughts.

Set Up a Blog Site
If you write blogs, then you need somewhere to publish them. Assuming you are new to writing, you probably won’t have a weekly column deal for one of the country’s broadsheets ready and waiting. For many, this means self-publishing at first and then seeking more professional writing gigs once you have proven your abilities to write accurately and reach an audience. The simplest way to self-publish is to own your own blog site to which you can add blogs any time you see fit. There are some good web hosting services around that will not only provide you with a digital platform to write on but also offer you straightforward design assistance so that your site looks professional. Although you could provide your own web hosting on your own computer acting as a server, this means it needs to be on 24/7 and also comes with some cybersecurity risk so opt for a professional service instead.

Find an Angle
Rugby has many facets so don’t assume that blogging about it will get you noticed on its own. Take a look at Matt Walsh’s blog, for example, which tells a story about getting into the professional game from an unconventional perspective. Of course, you don’t have to be a player or an ex-player but you will need to find a niche, ideally one that no one else is covering. Could it be that you focus on lineout play, the dark arts of the front row or even how the game is administered these days? Blogs with niches tend to find their own readerships. There’s nothing to stop you from breaking out and blogging about other aspects of the game, of course, so long as you blog regularly on your chosen specialism.

Write Match Reports
Match reports are the bread and butter of local sports reporting. The trouble is that there aren’t many local newspapers left to publish them. Therefore, it is a good idea to write a report on every match you attend. Give your personal perspectives on the performance of both teams. If possible, get a quote from one of the players or coaches since doing so will make your writing unique and stand out from other such reports that the clubs themselves might post online. With good match reporting among your other blog posts, your site will develop readers because – simply put – there is a demand for them.

Conclusion

Rugby is a fantastic sport to write about. You don’t need journalistic experience but this can help, of course. What’s key is to interpret the game, especially on the finer aspects of law which can muddle even experienced sports writers.