Osages have a long, and objectively talented, history in sports and Kylie Johnson is a modern-day example. Johnson loves rugby for its dichotomy— the pure brutality and community that comes with it.
“Rugby life is unlike anything I have ever experienced,” Johnson said.
“One second you’re pummeling each other on the pitch, the next you’re at the social, sharing a drink and acting like the last two hours of your life wasn’t an all-out battle.”
Johnson got involved with rugby two years ago after wanting to stay physically fit, but feeling burnt out over her same old gym workouts. Johnson explained that her cousin invited her to try one rugby practice.
“I went to one practice and never looked back,” Johnson said.
Now, Johnson’s position is fly half. She explains fly half as the position that reads the field and directs the back line into position to receive the ball.
“Truthfully, the biggest reason I was selected for this role is because of how loud my voice is,” Johnson said jokingly.
Johnson tries to play as often as possible, not only to stay physically adept but for her love of the rugby community as well.
“The community is the one thing that makes this sport so rewarding.”
Johnson’s home team is the Oklahoma City Crusaders and she also plays for a traveling team composed of Indigenous people from across North America called the Indigenous Warriors Club. The Warriors tour at least once a year to connect with other Indigenous people in various areas to host cultural exchanges. The Warriors use the cultural exchanges to learn and share various tribal traditions and stories. The club also hosts youth clinics.
Johnson explained that when she initially joined The Warriors she felt an instant connection to the entire team.
“We talk about it often, how each of us are so ingrained into our culture that, that is how we play alongside one another. We play for more than just rugby. We play for our people, our traditions, and our creator,” she said.
Johnson encourages anyone in search of a community to give rugby a try. The Oklahoma City Crusaders are in need of additional players and Johnson urges anyone even remotely interested to give it a try.
“A person doesn’t have to have any experience to come out for the team, which is also one of the great things about this sport. Rugby is for everyone, athleticism, body type— doesn’t matter, we have a place for you,” she said.
To try out a practice with the Oklahoma City Crusaders, visit https://www.okcrusaders.com/home
