TALES FROM THE PITCH: The Chuma Intimidation Effect

Rugby is a tough sport and players are always assessing who’s tough and who’s not on the opposing team. Never look soft (unless you like being run at every time). It may not be as important as other aspects, but pretty important for your own pride and the pictures of course. While size and overall build will effect this, there are several other ways to not look like the punk on the pitch. You gotta get the war face going on, think full metal jacket, and of course nothing works better then your actual play but there is another aspect and that is through the art of chirping.

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No not birds, chirping being the talk between players during the match. I’m talking trash talk. The art of which isn’t inherently published but there’s definitely a right and wrong way to do so. Chuma, does it his own way, and it’s incredibly unique to say the least. Chuma is definitely intimidating in his own right. Standing 6’4″ and 225 pounds muscular, there is no reason for Chuma to have to compensate. But regardless Chuma has become the most prolific chirper on the squad. Being fairly reserved in real life, his transformation on to the pitch is immense and surprising.

“HEAR’S CHUMA!”

The first time I heard it, I was shook. A mix between the kool-aid man and Johnny Carson with inspiration from Jack Nicholson’s The Shining performance. The use of referring himself into third person

“OH YEAH!”

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Every time he came into a tackle, every ruck, every ball handle it was consistent. Given that the rugby pitch is a loud place you rarely hear these chirps in the heat of the moment, but when you notice a Chuma roar you began to pay attention to every one.

“KA BOOM!”

Every chirp was weirder then the last, and invoked more laughter then intimidation. When confronting Chuma, he claims he doesn’t remember citing the heat of the game blends it all together. That’s garbage, these roars have to be well thought out. While it may never be intimidating, the brand is something amazing and serves as some pretty great team lore.

How do you feel about trash talking? Leave a comment and a story in the section below!

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