If you’re a high school or middle school student wondering if you should try playing rugby, Thomas Daiker would like to offer some encouragement. “Just try out rugby for one practice and you’ll love it,” he says.

That’s exactly what Daiker did four years ago. The recently graduated Dublin Jerome student is a veteran of the sport. He also plans to continue playing at Miami University in Oxford. 

After literally just giving rugby a shot, Daiker now holds down the “hooker” position. The position earned that name because that player tries to “hook” the ball with their feet back to their teammates in a scrum.

Hooker is one of the most demanding positions on the field, as it requires a multitude of rugby skills. In addition to hooking the ball to gain possession, Daiker is responsible for throwing the ball into lineouts, which requires finesse and precision. Daiker’s other offensive responsibilities include carrying the ball, passing it and kicking it. 

Daiker is just as involved defensively, as the hooker must be adept at tackling and challenging possession. They often lead the team down the field offensively and are at the point trying to stop the opponent’s charge.

For his troubles on the pitch, Daiker has played on the 2023 state championship team and earned recognition as a Cap City and Aviators State Select player in 2024 and 2025. His favorite memory, though? “Beating Watkins Memorial in my first game ever and for the 2025 Aviators team selection.”

Any way you look at it, it was love at first sight.