Hello. My name is Akira, and I am a rugby addict.

I wasn’t always like this, you know. I just wanted to try something new, see what it was like.

Two years ago, I went to my first rugby practice. They called themselves the Columbus Coyotes.

It was all so different from anything I had done before. The raw energy. The inclusivity. The adrenaline of taking down a 300lb guy with your bare hands.

Never having played a contact sport before, I was in way over my head. But I loved it. I kept coming back for more.

Now, two years later, I’m a regular member of the team, serve on the executive board, and became certified to coach under USA Rugby.

Now, I’m in for life.