Rugby is often portrayed as a game for thugs. Some people like to focus only the physical aspect of the game. Fortunately for our SACS players, there are enough enlightened coaches out there who are able to blend the physical, emotional and mental aspects of the game to ensure our players become the complete rugby players they need to be.
I was lucky enough to get the chance to speak with the U16’s today on something similar. I know that earlier our SACS men were addressed by Professor Tim Noakes who covered the importance of the mental side of sport. What a fantastic opportunity for our athletes. On the rugby side of things, I posed a couple of questions to the U16’s.
“Why do you play this game?” And then on the more higher grade level, “Do you play rugby, or does rugby play you?”
The standard response to the first question is, “I love the game.” But what do you love? We need to understand that we as individuals all have different reasons for playing the game. You need to be aware of what that is. If it’s only for winning, you are limiting yourself. If it’s for glory, you may have a selfish outlook on the sport. I believe that when a team can learn to merge their individual reasons for playing the game into one common reason, they will be more successful. At SACS I believe that reason should include playing for the love of the school. If we allow individuals to play for selfish reasons, they will no longer care for their team mates, or for their team colours.
The second question was more tricky. The reason I ask it, is that we have a misguided view that we own rugby. The truth is, rugby owns us. The game is bigger than any one individual, and in fact, players make up only one piece of the bigger rugby puzzle. So when I say, rugby plays you. It means, the game is using you to show itself off to the world. When you can respect the game at such a level that you feel honoured to play it you are experiencing the game in a more pure form. The game consists of many things. The ref, the field, the weather, the opponents etc. You need to respect every element. Just ask the SHARKS!! They didnt respect the Cheetahs last week and paid the price.
So in a nutshell. Rugby is a thinking person’s game. The more aware you are, the better you will perform. Physicality is essential, but awareness of yourself, and how you fit into the game is critical. Being more aware will allow you to make quicker and better decisions on the field. By respecting the game, you will no longer fear losing, or feel intimidated by opponents. You will be playing for the right reasons. For the love of your school and this amazing game!
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