Former Rugby Player Adjusting to American Football

Neff Giwa has no problem with the physicality in American football, but the former rugby player from Ireland is just trying to get used to strapping on a helmet and shoulder pads instead of playing without any pads when colliding with other large humans.

“It’s definitely different to put all that on,” said Giwa, a 6’7”, 305-pound freshman offensive tackle who is studying exercise science. “I like it. You just have to get used to playing in it.”

Giwa played second row, also known as a lock, in rugby. Regardless of position in rugby, every player on the pitch can run with the ball, pass, kick, and tackle. Play doesn’t stop after a tackle, so you basically keep going when a ball carrier hits the ground. There is also limited substitution, so players normally play the full 80 minutes, and there is no blocking in rugby, which is interesting since he is becoming an offensive lineman in football.

“The fitness is different,” Giwa said. “I feel like my cardio from rugby is a lot better, but I’ve had to adjust to some of the physical demands, like with some of the guys in the weight room. The coaches have been very understanding and have set up an amazing program for me. There are transferable things, like with the physicality. I’m catching on to some things faster than I anticipated.”

There are a lot of challenges and there is a learning curve.

“There’s definitely been a lot to adjust to,” Giwa said. “American football is similar in some ways, but also a very different sport to rugby. Technique is obviously quite different. The coaches and other players are helping me try to learn the game faster. Outside of practice, I’m watching a lot of film and trying to get a better understanding of the game. The coaches have been good about explaining drills and why we’re doing what we’re doing.

“I’ve learned a lot in a short space of time, so I’m very excited about what’s ahead.”

(Photo below from CFB Home)

A mentor of Giwa’s helped him learn that there were other sports he might excel for which he might find success outside of rugby, so he looked into American football. Former UMass football player Brandon Collier sets up opportunities in Europe for athletes who could potentially play college football in the U.S. and have them attend camps which college coaches can scout. Head coach Shane Beamer liked what he saw.

“Brandon brought Neff and a group of guys on campus this past March for a spring practice,” Beamer said. “I saw Neff. We all loved him. He came back and visited again and decided he wanted to come here. He’s such a great young man. He sits in meetings with a notebook and writes down everything. I’m excited to see his continued growth in our program.”

“He’s smart. He works hard. He’s talented,” said offensive line coach Randy Clements. “He’s serious about coming over here and wanting to succeed. Some guys have the ability and have all the tools, and if you put them in the right situation there’s no reason they can’t flourish.”

“I’m trying to get my foot in the door. I’m not feeling overwhelmed,” Giwa said. “I’m feeling grateful every time I come into the building. I have a lot of support around me. They’ve been really patient and encouraging. They’ve made it feel like all I have left to do is work hard.”

Giwa is not only adjusting to a new sport, but a new country, culture, and a lot of other things. Having fellow players as mentors has helped.

“The weather is one thing,” Giwa said. “It’s a lot more humid here. It’s very hot. In Ireland, even when it gets hot, it’s not humid. It was a bit of shock at first. I’ve settled into it.

“(Fifth-year senior wide receiver) D.J. Black has helped me settle in here and also with life outside of football. J.O. (junior linebacker Justin Okoronkwo from Germany) has been a big help as well with life stuff – things that you don’t think about. I’m very grateful for that.”

Beamer has said that with Giwa’s size and athleticism, it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to earn some playing time on special teams early in his career and hopefully contribute more as he learns the game. For now, Giwa is excited to experience a game at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“I’ve heard a lot of things about it,” Giwa said. “I’ve seen clips of pregame and the tailgates and the stadium. I see clips online of Williams-Brice and Sandstorm. I’ve heard how our fans are so loyal. I’ve gone to some team events such as Pigskin Poets, and you can see it and feel it. There’s still a lot to experience.”

While he’s been so busy learning football, he hasn’t had the chance to teach his Gamecock teammates how to play rugby … yet.

“Sometimes the guys want to know more about my sport, so sometimes I’ll teach them how to throw a rugby ball or something like that just for fun,” Giwa said. “Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m pushing myself every day to be better.”