European club rugby

[janispodins]

Hi!
I'm seeking for some tips or advice.
I'm 16 years old and I'm from Latvia. I play rugby for 8 years now.
I'm 197 cm and 93 kg.
I want to play professional rugby but i don't know where to start.
I train hard all week in the gym and on the field.
do you have some advice for me how to improve my chances?

 

[poopiepeople]

Move away from Latvia? lol

 

[Bullitt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (janispodins @ Nov 28 2009, 11:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Hi!
I'm seeking for some tips or advice.
I'm 16 years old and I'm from Latvia. I play rugby for 8 years now.
I'm 197 cm and 93 kg.
I want to play professional rugby but i don't know where to start.
I train hard all week in the gym and on the field.
do you have some advice for me how to improve my chances?[/b]

First of all, you will have the european passport on your side which helps.

In all honestly, your best bet is to send a highlights video to several clubs - It's a well known technique for out of contract players looking for a new team to join. Try the top flight teams by all means, but your best bet will be 2nd tier for now and write a nicely worded letter with decent references requesting an academy trial. At 16 you're at the best age to join the junior setups.

Pushing for the national team will give you some credentials

Chairman President
Andris Denins

Union Website
www.rugby.lv

Union Email
[email protected]

Union Address
19/1 Pulkveza brieza str
Riga
LV-1010 LATVIA

Union Phone
0037167220320

Union Fax
0037167320180

IRB Webpage
http://www.irb.com/unions/union=11000068/index.html

Otherwise, a lot of it comes down to luck. If you can get some form of scholarship in England, France or the Celtic nations, joining one of the prestigious feeder clubs will also help your cause as your exposure will be a lot higher then your current location (e.g Northampton Old Scouts, Bedford Athletic etc.).

Best of luck, please keep us updated on what happens.

 

[janispodins]

Thanks for you suggestion.
I didn't mention that this autumn I was training with the national team to improve my game.
The coach said that I have a good potential.
In January the Latvia U 18 team will start their training sessions. I was training with them last year too but I was too young for the squad.
I think I have what it takes to be captain of next years team.

 

[janispodins]

I want to know how i can get to the academy trial.
and what happens in the trial ?