One of the many draws of rugby football is that more than a sport and an ethos, it is a community.
That is why when I moved to Milwaukee in March, 2022, one of the first things I did was find a rugby club.
My brother had already purchased me a Barbarians hoodie before the move, so my decision was made who to play with. I checked the Barbarian website and found out about the old boys indoor touch rugby sessions every other week.
Within one week of moving here and starting my new job, I was playing rugby at OAW and drinking beers at the New Berlin Ale House with the old boys.
Cambodia Calling
Fast forward to 2025 when I volunteered to go work in Siem Reap, Cambodia as part of Children’s Wisconsin’s Global Health Program.
While researching hotels, I also typed three words into the Google search bar: “Rugby Siem Reap.” I quickly found the Facebook page for Siem Reap Touch Rugby. I messaged the page and within 5 hours they told me where and when they play.
On November 6th, I touched down in Siem Reap and at 6pm on Tuesday the 11th I went to the WATBO Football Center for the session.
There was a mix of men and women trickling in to play, most of them French, but here was also a Cambodian woman, an Englishman, a 60-year-old female Kiwi and a South African scrum half who lives and plays club rugby in France. The organizer’s 10-year-old son George rotated in and knew how to play.
On a turf field in 95℉ nighttime heat, we played for 90 minutes, and it was a blast. It was so hot, I went through two bottles of water and was still thirsty.
Handing out Barbarian jerseys
As the players were cooling off and changing out of their cleats, I pulled Barbarian camo training jerseys from my backpack and gave them out as gifts to the players as a thank you for the hospitality. They were very appreciative and were happy to take a group photo with the shirts on.
I exchanged contact info with a few of the players on WhatsApp and they asked when I would be back. I told them I would be back in a year and Moy, one of the organizers gave me a thumbs up, slapped me on the back and said “awesome” in his thick French accent.
Moy then asked me what hotel I was staying at and when I was leaving town so he could drop off something.
A global tradition
Of course, afterwards everyone got onto their scooters and motorcycles (the preferred transportation methods in Siem Reap) and met for beers.
The next night I went out drinking with Sergio the Saffa who was impressed a Yank was so passionate about Springbok rugby. We saw a few Brits at an expat bar and talked even more rugby.
A gift arrives
Three days later, there was a package waiting for me at the front desk: a custom Siem Reap rugby singlet with my last name on the back.
I guess I am invited back!
Even 8,500 miles away, I easily found my tribe: the one that congregates around the rugby ball. Such is the sport we love.
And if you are ever in Cambodia and see someone wearing a Milwaukee Barbarians jersey, stop them tell them Peter says hello!
