It is fair to say that the rugby talent production line begins on Sunday mornings. Across the rugby playing world thousands of mini and junior players turn up at rugby clubs ready to demonstrate both enthusiasm and skill. Mums and Dads wrap up warm, clutching a hot drink and stamping their feet in the colder climates to keep warm.
There is an interesting article on LinkedIn suggesting a switch to playing community rugby in the summer, which I have responded to with my own thoughts. Of course, summer rugby exists in other parts of the world, if not by definition, certainly by climate.
Recognising that young people have a multitude of sports available to them must be noted and some of these so-called sports are now available on the internet and laptop. Young people don’t need to leave their bedroom on a Sunday morning.
Regional rugby reports from England confirm that many clubs are not running mini and junior teams from Under-6 through to U18. The cluster of parents clinging on to a sausage sizzle and hot coffee has disappeared and shows no sign of coming back.
Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic left ots mark on the game as many young players have not returned to play rugby on a Sunday morning at their clubs, even as our daily lives reverted to ‘normal’.
Talented sportsmen and women become hooked on their sport at a very early age, so rugby is dependent on young players turning up at rugby clubs.
Remember: “Every International rugby player was a 12-year-old boy or girl once.”
FREE-FLOWING
Meanwhile, the Six Nations resumes this weekend and with two rounds remaining the clutch game is Ireland vs. France in Dublin. France demolished England previously but still lost the game. They then demolished a resurgent Italy, scoring 73 points in the process - someone had to pay!
Quite simply the winner will go on to win the Championship and one the Grand slam. England should be too strong for Italy and Wales may surprise Scotland.
Elsewhere, Super Rugby in Australia and New Zealand is producing some wonderful free-flowing rugby. New Zealand teams are blessed with several exciting pacific islanders, who have a natural strength and running style. They are exciting to watch and remind us how stimulating rugby union can be to watch if the ball is used effectively and there is constant team mobility.
WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION
Here in Thailand the mounting interest in rugby continues to grow. In Phuket the recent rugby day organised by the Phuket Vagabonds in support of the www.asiacenterfoundation.org was a huge success.
We are two months away from the annual Phuket 11s rugby tournament with teams arriving from across the globe to compete in the June 6-8 tournament. For over twenty years the Phuket 11s has earned worldwide recognition. The organiser Pat Cotter must take great credit for its continued growth. He is now turning his skills to developing the Chiang Mai 11s later this year. More information on both these events will appear shortly.
Many International schools throughout Asia have rugby on their curriculum and some run exciting rugby camps during holiday breaks. If any schools are interested in running a rugby camp during holiday breaks please don’t hesitate to contact me. Rugby camps are a great way to promote your school.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.