Many studies have shown that it can from 5,000 to 10,000 repetitions to learn a new skill.  When I first started playing rugby I began to keep track of approximately how many quality passes I made each day of training.  Because I never participated in a sport requiring throwing I knew that it would take me the upper end of repetitions to gain the muscle memory for this new skill.  Passing is only one element of rugby.  There are many new skills that I learn daily and work towards performing quality repetitions of each.    Fortunately I have had various athletic experiences and rely on skills I have learned to transfer over to aspects of rugby.  

Gymnastic was my very first sport and a platform that has enabled me to excel in different sports.  Gymnastic played a key role in establishing body awareness, strength and speed.  I transferred these skills initially to soccer and track and field and then eventually to bobsled.  Although rugby is a completely different type of sport then I have ever participated in I am hopeful that the repetitions and skills I have already learned will transfer over.