The Grassroots Thread

[Five Meters Out]

Thanks guys. I'm always keen to learn more about how things work in different countries, particularly NZ. The academy system in England has its critics, but I believe that it does a pretty decent job, as evidenced by the U20 RWC. The problem we have here is giving meaningful game time to lads at school leaving age - this is something that the tiered structure in NZ accomplishes brilliantly. One of the biggest criticisms of the English academy system is that too many players who don't make the professional grade end up lost to the game, which could be avoided by a NZ style system that would allow such players to slot in at whatever level is appropriate to their ability. I guess this structure only works because NZ has a high number of rugby players per capita.

I watch everything from the All Blacks through to Under 7's. The rugby I enjoy the most is early high school rugby. U55's, U65' and Under15's. Watch this rugby in NZ and you will understand why the All Blacks play as they do. What Steve Hansen does with the All Blacks is already ingrained in the kids at this early stage. It is all about attack and running the ball.

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Not sure how I manage to stuff up the above Quote and comment. Posted again to avoid confusion.

I watch everything from the All Blacks through to Under 7's. The rugby I enjoy the most is early high school rugby. U55's, U65' and Under15's. Watch this rugby in NZ and you will understand why the All Blacks play as they do. What Steve Hansen does with the All Blacks is already ingrained in the kids at this early stage. It is all about attack and running the ball.

 

[GoTheNaki]

Went to a maoris league competition yesterday. Glorious day to watch some big hits and young talent...

The big standout was this young man.. I shall describe him as a, "big Islander boy", because hell...that's what he was. He was probably close to 100kg, around my height, which is 6'4, and just built like a tank......

16... 16 years old. Are you KIDDING me?

Nice, pleasant, humble, local boy. People are going to take him to the NZ Warriors open league trials a couple of hours away, in October.

I post about this, because you don't really see something like this in an area which is sparse for league players.

Will be a name for me and the locals to remember.

 

[theVersatile]

Nenagh Ormond 36 - 13 Queens University

Good game from us (Nenagh). We have a new player too! He played professional four years ago, albeit for 3 minutes in the Southern Hemisphere Reserve Cup (TMI Cup?). Islander by the name of Coolio (unsure of the spelling). Played in the centre and did well. We dominated but gave away two soft tries after we brought on some of the subs.

 

[GoTheNaki]

Nenagh Ormond 36 - 13 Queens University

Good game from us (Nenagh). We have a new player too! He played professional four years ago, albeit for 3 minutes in the Southern Hemisphere Reserve Cup (TMI Cup?). Islander by the name of Coolio (unsure of the spelling). Played in the centre and did well. We dominated but gave away two soft tries after we brought on some of the subs.

Uhhh, ITM Cup Development?

 

[RedruthRFC]

A slightly disappointing result for Redruth this Saturday, losing by 2 points on home turf to old adversaries Cambridge in a mistake filled, stop start game. 4 weeks in now and the National 2 South table is now starting to be some sort of reflection of where teams are, but it will take a few more weeks yet before it offers anything near a true reflection.

I believe it was an equally disappointing weekend for @TRF_SelimNiai in an equally competitive National 3 South West.

 

[BRSTLDRGN]

A slightly disappointing result for Redruth this Saturday, losing by 2 points on home turf to old adversaries Cambridge in a mistake filled, stop start game. 4 weeks in now and the National 2 South table is now starting to be some sort of reflection of where teams are, but it will take a few more weeks yet before it offers anything near a true reflection.

I believe it was an equally disappointing weekend for @TRF_SelimNiai in an equally competitive National 3 South West.

It was, lost at home against a strong Lydney team, a couple of which are on Gloucester's radar apparently. Still, no disgrace, played pretty well according to reports

 

[BRSTLDRGN]

Bump

Its going to be another Weston derby in the Somerset Cup final. Which should be fun.

Weston beat Old Reds and Hornets beat North Petherton. Venue and date tbc but will try and get to it to watch. In the league Hornets are 5th in National 3 SW and have a game in hand.

 

[PrimroseAndBlue]

Plymouth Albion set for administration:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35894606

 

[valley commando]

Little semi pro Ponty had a crowd just shy of 5,000 for our cup win over Merthyr today, more than watched the Blues win in the pro 12, more proof that real supporters in Wales don't want the regions.
In fact in beating Merthyr we beat the Cardiff piemen twice, once on the pitch and 2nd at the turnstile.