I am very excited about the opportunity to be writing for ThePapare.com and being able to talk about the latest Rugby news from around the world and how to keep fit and healthy…
Let’s look back first at the amazing achievement of the Sri Lankan Rugby team in the Asian 5 Nations series. After a grueling couple of month’s preparation the team went on to win the tournament in spectacular style and lift the trophy that propelled them to the Top tier of Asia Rugby.
Leading up to the tournament the players were put through their paces. The competition for a spot in the team was fierce, and everyone wanted the opportunity to play for their country in front of a packed Havelocks stadium and on home soil; something that has not happened before!
In order to compete at the top level an athlete needs to be extremely fit and well conditioned to deal with the abrasiveness of the game of Rugby. During preparation players followed closely a fitness and strength program and were tested in both areas to make sure their huge efforts were paying off. No one likes to be tested or told how fit they are so there were some glum faces when they found out the bleep test was ready from them. Mentally you have to be right for these types of tests, often if you tell yourself you are not going to do well…simply you wont. If you do it with a ‘never say die attitude’ you’ll always do well. Added to the pain of the test were the extremely hot conditions of the Ministry sports hall. However the team accepted the challenge and spurred each other on and everybody ran hard to get their best scores possible. I think all the team would definitely say that this helped them perform at a different level in the games.
On the conditioning side many hours were spent on the training paddock perfecting players’ skills. In the early stages a lot of focus was put on the core skills of running, passing, catching and tackling. Once these basic skills have been heightened the game plan can be put in place. Under Coach Ravin Du Plesis the forwards became one with the Scrum machine doing 50-60 scrums at a time to make sure it was only going to go in one direction… forwards! There was a lot of cursing and complaining and sweating but the forwards became new animals in this arena. Whilst they worked hard, the backs trained at intensity, nailing down their plays and learning new was to break down defenses to score tries.
Two weeks out from the competition the team went on a trip to Trincomalee Naval Base. Whenever you are preparing for a big competition there is nothing better than getting the chance to go away. It brings everybody closer together and enables you to have an intense period of training without disruption. The first day had the team completing a team building exercise and then an endurance course set by the Special Boat Service (SBS) Regiment. There were lots of laughs to be had during teaming building. It was funny watching the players work out the puzzles. This however was the less intense part of the day. The endurance course was another experience all together. First the players had to complete a long run around the base and then push a huge armored vehicle up hill. If this didn’t finish them off, they then had to swim a boat laden with sand bags across a river and empty it at the other end. Finally a kayak paddle and a run and a good nights sleep!
The next day was double rugby. I have experienced a lot of things over my time in rugby but this day bought a new one. Whilst we were on the training paddock a baby foul joined us and was quite content walking around our training and drinking from our hands. It showed off the beauty of area we were training in.
To finish off the trip the team was dragged out of their beds early in the morning to do some fitness. After much persuation from the team I gave in and did it with them. If you weren’t awake already you soon would be, running around with sand bags and logs and doing fitness on the beach. It was all good fun and the thought of a good breakfast at the end spurred everyone on.
The countdown was now on and the final squad had been selected for the tournament. New kits had arrived and it was time to move into the tournament hotel. Players were excited and apprehensive. The only thing on my mind was don’t let the boys over eat at the buffet! All the preparation had been done and game day was upon us. First up, Chinese Taipei….This game was slow to get started as both teams fought to gain the upper hand, however it was the Sri Lankan boys that came out positively in the second half and came away with a solid first win. This momentum was taken into game two against a tricky Thailand side and saw another great result. The final was set between the robust, physical side of Kazakhstan, right from the kick off there was only going to be one winner as the forwards set the platform and the backs opened up the defense. It was a display full of pride with players putting their bodies on the line. The home crowd were off their seats and in great voice as the final whistle went; a proud and well-deserved moment for the team.
All the hard work had paid off, the team had achieved its goals in style and had the support of the nation to help. It’s now onto the next part of the year; probably my favourite the 7’s.
