At face value, gambling and rugby have very little in common. But when the two vast niches are combined, you will be surprised at just how many similarities there are. Both require a sharp mind as well as a game plan. At a casino, these skills are just as beneficial. As these share similar aspects, it’s only natural that some rugby players are associated to gambling. Let’s take a look at these players and what sort of gambling they enjoy.
1. Sebastien Chabal
French rugby union player, Sebastien Chabal, is regarded as one of the more commanding players. The player’s appearance has earned him the name of “The Caveman”. Besides being an outstanding rugby player, Chabal is also quite fond of gambling. He has been known to take part in several different kinds of poker. He has however not been reported to have won anything worth recording. Apart from this, Chabal does have aspirations of becoming a force to reckon with in the online gambling world too.
2. Shane Williams
For former Walsh rugby player, Shane Williams, gambling is a pastime he enjoys immensely, but he has yet to make any significant money in the industry. Known as the best rugby player in the union, Williams has spent a lot of time gambling and implementing his skills by trying his luck on poker. When he’s not on the field with his fellow teammates, he can be found at the poker tables and playing card games at casinos. He even registered to take part in the major poker tournament but was eliminated very early in the game.
3. David Susigan
Professional players like David Susigan, have earned large sums of cash because of the skill and strategy he brings to a poker game. In addition to this, he has also managed to win $317,653 in one poker session. Susigan has proven to be quite the formidable player and has subsequently won quite a bit more. In 2015 he won a total of $140,000 as well.
Other big players in rugby like James Haskell and Mike Tindall also love gambling. Often when these guys retire, they find that the gambling provides them with the same excitement as when they were still playing on the field. The experience of playing poker for example, forces them to keep their minds sharp. Whether you are engaging in slots, poker or other card games, the adrenaline rush that you experience is something that rugby players will perhaps always yearn for. It is therefore no wonder that so many of the big names in the sport have taken to separate lives within the gambling world.
An interesting fact to note is that some players can be quite aggressive and become very forceful when they want to win. This part of the industry is bound to attract the likes of players who are used to having to play hard to achieve the desired success. Gambling can prove to be hard work as well, especially when there’s no time limit to finish a gaming session. Some tournaments also take players away from their homes, much like when rugby players have away games.
While playing rugby keeps the body in good form, it also sharpens the mind and makes players think critically. It is no wonder that so many rugby players are such keen gamblers. Both these pastimes have a way of demanding the best from the players. In gambling, strategy also has its place; players need to strategise to increase their winning potential. Similarly in rugby, when watching the gameplay and strategies involved, it is clear players use their skills to achieve success as well.