Rugby around the world takes on very different shapes and sizes, and often playing environments. This year has proved to show me that just because a country has to play their matches on an undulating piece of astro turf, this should not hide the fact that they might also be able to provide some very interesting insights into other areas of what we touch on when coaching rugby for an International team. For those who don’t know I have helped out with developing the sport of rugby in Iceland, working with the national team.
Whilst only in it’s first full year as an Internationally competitive nation, the experience I have had coaching this rag tag bunch of players over this time has certainly heartened my perception that rugby truly is a game for all and truly has the power to create and build communities.
Whilst the national team have to beg to play their matches on the blades of grass next to their astro turf, or take a long drive into the middle of nowhere with some drainpipes as goalposts; not everything about this tiny rugby community is quite as it seems. For in the heart of Iceland there exists a greater community, one of fitness and physique. Icelandic nationals seem to be rather gifted at weight lifting, cross fit and strongmen competition and as such there in lies some of the true untapped potential of this nation. Their ‘average’ gym facilities would put to shame anything I have seen either at public level OR Premiership level. In fact the only places I have seen that have something close are at Bath and Loughborough Universities.
This is a nation that is used to breeding Internationally successful sportsmen that compete and win in some of the toughest endurance and strength competitions in the world.
Back in September or October of last year we went out to set their winter training program. What we were presented with was nothing short of astounding. As I head back I already know that I have use of a 4G pitch for the entire day as well as use of the rest of the gym while I am there.
And this will be the last time I visit before the start on the road to their next tournament. This little country will be travelling to a number of tournaments prior to the international FIRA competition on the 28th of June.
We have two months to go before that first tournament. This is now about building the engine within these guys, to ensure that we are getting the optimal out of them during the 7s season.
This one day session has to cover everything from fitness to core skills to game play, and all of this is being done with the view of educating the rest of the coaching team to deliver the training in my absence.
I will then meet up with them at their first tournament on the 3rd May for their first run out of the season at the Warlingham Sevens, where they get to meet what will make up the core of my Elite Level Saxons side, who will be using this as their final warm up before the Amsterdam and Bournemouth 7s tournament.
I can’t help think at how different and worlds apart rugby can be.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @TheSaxonCoach. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Rugby writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
