Even
to the seasoned rugby player, activities such as the 'snake'
and 'Diamond Balanced Running' would not register as anything
to do with the modern Game. However, they are just two of
ten events that requires all the basic rugby skills that National
team coach Graham Henry is insisting that players in Wales
must possess.
Participants
in all ten events were club players in age groups U12, U13,
U14 and U16 representing their districts in squads of eighteen.
Each squad was divided into activity groups of four, who were
selected for their chosen event in which they had to compete
against the clock. With many of the times not far away from
star players such as Frano Botica (who also practices some
of these activities), it shows just how skilful some of our
young players really are.
This
was a very enjoyable competition where size did not matter,
but skill factor and collective speed and technique were paramount.
WRU Director of Coaching John Bevan, who prepared the skills
programme was delighted with the skills of the young players,
not only at the National finals, but also in the prelimin-ary
heats held at Ebbw Vale and Llanelli.
WRU
Director of Rugby Terry Cobner, who paid close attention to
the activity was very pleased to see so many young players
having the opportunity to learn, improve and practice their
basic skills in a friendly, competitive arena.
One
of Wales' most skilful players, ex-international and British
Lion scrum-half Robert Jones and his Swansea team-mate Arwel
Thomas were also in attendance at the National finals to present
the awards to the winning teams. Robert told all present,
"it is essential that all the skills used here today are practiced
on a regular basis. They are excellent skills preparation
used in a game related situations at the highest level."
District
Junior associations event organiser John Mullen explained,
"Super skills activities should now be a part of the rugby
development activities calendar for all junior associations."
"Each
district can organise their own preliminary events culminating
in national finals for each age group. This would certainly
expand skills development and offer the opportunity for all
junior club players and coaches to enjoy learning and participating
in a meaningful competition that could become a high profile
national development activity."
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