Touchline Reflections No. 2

“Live Rugby”

I’ve been coaching since we started OA Youth Rugby. Previously I played Grammar School rugby and was lucky enough to get selected for Surrey Colts and for a number of representative sides. I did 7’s and was a pretty nippy full back (22.9 sec 200 yds!).  My maths teacher at school was Bob Hiller – England full back and captain at the time. Lunch-times were spent kicking on the field, or, when the weather was bad, playing touch in the gym – points scored only for drop kicks through the basketball hoops. All in all, a fabulous intro to this wonderful sport.

One of the things I do with my kids (who play for OAs) is take them to as much rugby as I can. Why?

Exposure to the senior game – at Twickenham for A and B internationals, for Premiership games at the Stoop (or Sarries, Wasps …), for games at OAs or Esher or wherever  – is absolutely fundamental.

At OAs we have a broad range of talent – from extremely gifted kids who live and breathe rugby, to those who are being dragged along for a couple of hours cheap child care. If these young people don’t have the opportunity to experience the game at its highest levels, then it is very difficult for us as coaches to really get across the principles of the game. The senior game is a great place to see the shape that a match takes – offensive shapes, defensive shapes and all the other shapes in between. Add in the mobility of players and their ability to change from offence to defence in a twinkle is a delight to see.

So this little missive is a two part plea. First, please – all parents take your kids (and their friends) to as much senior rugby as you can – you can’t beat the experience, the atmosphere and the sheer grunt of the ‘big’ game. If you can’t get to a match, watch one on the box with your kids. Talk them through the game, explain the rules. It is worth it.

Secondly, help the club to get tickets to take the kids to some games. They don’t all have to go at once, but if you are, say, a U9 parent and can arrange for 30 kids to see a game one afternoon – please arrange it; the club will do its best to help with the logistics. Bring your kids and their friends to OAs when the senior sides are playing at home! Support the club! See more live senior rugby!