Tallaght Rugby Club is currently recruiting new players for the 2008-2009 Leinster League season.

Players who have previous experience at schools or club level are very welcome but Tallaght is committed to recruiting players with no previous experience of the game.

In fact, the majority of Tallaght's senior team has only taken up the game in the last two seasons.

Andrew Ward from Cork has made the full-back spot his own, Denis Buckley from Kerry has become a fixture in the team at tight-head prop and Jack Russell from Clondalkin has established himself at number eight.

We talked to them about their experiences taking up a new game.

What first made you take up rugby?

Andrew Ward: I always wanted to play rugby having watched it for many years but thought it was too late to start. A friend of mine, Peter Turner, mentioned to me that his club, Tallaght RFC, were always looking for players and not having played before wouldn't be a problem.

Denis Buckley: I loved watching it and supported Ireland all my life. Played a few games at school but mainly played Gaelic football. However, I always liked the sport so when I heard Tallaght were looking for new players with all levels of fitness and experience welcome, I headed down and have not looked back since.

Jack Russell: I decided to take up rugby because I wanted to become fitter and my friend, Gary Doyle, was already on the team.

What was your initial reaction to the training compared to other sports you've played?

AW: I played soccer for a number of years for which training consisted of running and a practice match. Rugby training is much more structured. The level of fitness training was higher and included a lot more emphasis on tactics and teamwork.

DB: To be honest, it was a hell of a lot easier than I first expected, not like Gaelic football where we were ran ragged. They concentrated on developing our skills and organisation around the pitch. This really helped with the steep learning curve a non-rugby player like myself had to endure. But as time went on the training got more intense as our fitness levels increased through the season.

JR: The training was more intense compared to soccer, but once I got used to it, I started to enjoy it.

What was it like getting used to the laws and techniques of the game?

AW: I found it quite nerve racking initially. Making sure I was in the right position and always worried if I was offside or when I needed to make the right tackle. However I quickly picked up the basics and had support from the other players when I made a mistake, which helped me settle in. I still make one or two errors during matches but I continue to learn.

DB: It takes a while to get used to where you should be at ruck time, and when to make the play or drift. But after a while it becomes a lot easier. It is only the more technical aspects of the game that still remain a difficulty, which is not that much of a problem for a prop-forward anyway!

JR: I quickly got the hang of the game and the rules and I was able to follow the game easily enough as I used to watch it on the television also.

What do you like most about the game?

AW: What I like most about rugby is the combination of strength, skill and intelligence. Deciding when to go round a player or when to go through them! The game is constantly moving and you've little time to think with the ball so there is never a dull moment.

DB: I love the excitement, the camaraderie and the intelligence of the game. There are so many varied aspects to the game that you are constantly learning something new.

JR: I love that it's a real team sport and that everyone has to do their bit. I also like that you're able to tackle someone to the ground and not get arrested!

How have you got on at Tallaght Rugby Club?

AW: I found everyone in the club very welcoming when I first came. The club has impressive facilities and a great clubhouse. All the people are very sociable so even in the off-season people would meet and stay in touch.

DB: The boys are some of the most easy going and welcoming that you will find in the rugby fraternity, while still remaining focused and driven to achieve success. It is a nice mix and a welcome change from either a team who don't care on one hand or a team that are driven crazy with the stress of competition and the absolute need to win above all else.

JR: I love the craic with the lads in training and after matches.

Newly appointed Tallaght captain Brian Curtis says the search for new talent is imperative for the future of the club. "There is only so many players out there with previous experience, so it's vital for the club that we can produce good players ourselves. Three of the lads, Derek Burke, Ken Healy and Emmet Norton were mates who played a bit of soccer and Gaelic football together. Now after only a couple of seasons, they're the backbone of our pack."

Tallaght's pre-season training started on Tuesday in the Postal Club, Kiltipper. For further information contact club PRO Jim O'Connor at 087-6162691 or e-mail jimoconnor.tallaghtrugby@gmail.com.