SACS Rugby Report 2013

Rugby Report 2013

These reports get harder to write each year, as when one reflects back on all the work that goes into a season and the many hours spent planning practices and coaching sessions, you are left wondering why we did not perform better than last year. Basically we performed slightly better against our Northern suburb premier league rivals, but slightly worse against our local southern suburb rivals. SACS won 39% of its fixtures this year. These results are the same as last year.

As much as statistics can tell a story and one can gauge success, we are trying to rather look for ways in which we can improve our rugby each year. We have now started our 2014 U16 squad in a off-season conditioning program with Steve McIntyre (World Cup 2007 Strength and Conditioning Coach). SACS 1^stXV have utilised his expertise over the past two seasons and we have seen the fruits of these efforts. A lot of success teams have in the modern game, comes down to their conditioning. Although we find majority of SACS boys lacking the basic passing, handling and other basic skills, we are doing the utmost to put structures in place to improve on these areas. Even the mental aspect of the game is being addressed through our involvement with Headstart.

Planning for 2014

The coaches held a “Season Review” at the end of the third term, where each “A” coach of each year group discussed that particular groups training and areas where they thought SACS coaches could improve upon. We also had feedback from Craig McKenzie from Headstart, who looked after the mental coaching of the U14A and U15A. This session provided myself with some necessary information to plan for 2014.

The 1stXV and U16 squads for 2014 were tested by Steve and started their conditioning which will take place from October to the end of March. We will compliment this conditioning along with skills sessions as well. At the start of the 4^th term we meet with the Grade 7’s who will be playing rugby at SACS the following year and take them through our expectations, Mission Statement and Vision for SACS Rugby. This group will also have a fitness and strength test in the 4^th term and again at the end of the 1^st Term in 2014. This is also complimented by skills sessions which will commence in January.

The SACS Percy Montgomery Rugby Foundation

This foundation was established in 2010 and has provided much needed funds for the continues up skilling of our coaches and providing additional equipment for our coaches. They also provide funding for scholarships to talented young players who would not have the means to attend a school such as SACS. A major project in 2013 was the refurbishment of the SACS Gym. This 380sqm facility is arguably one of the best school gyms in South Africa. This has benefitted all students at SACS and not just the rugby players. This will be a continuous project as we look to improve on its equipment each year.

Mike and Leon de Villiers, along with a dedicated team of parents, have worked exceptionally hard to raise funds through the selling of coffee, prego-rolls and cooldrinks on a Saturday morning from their new catering trailer. Please see the new website www.percymontgomery foundation.com for more information about this foundation.

WP Elite Squads

We congratulate Liam Larkan (U15), Chayse Tyler, Lwazi Monakali, Thabiso Binta and Ciaran Dayaram (all U18) for their inclusion into the WP Elite Squads for 2014.

Lastly, thank you to all the coaches who give up all their valuable time to ensure that SACS players are coached well. Thank you to all the parents who bring their boys to practices on weekends and transport players to matches. We hope to have all your positive support in 2014.