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Rugby in trying times
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Josh Adams scores a try for Wales in their Six Nations win over Italy
As the Six Nations Championship comes to an end, Wales defence coach BYRON HAYWARD gives Philip Halcrow his perspective
T comes to the crunch today (Saturday 31 October). Rugby’s Six Nations Championship is set to reach its conclusion, seven months after it was suspended as a result of coronavirus lockdowns. A lot has changed since 1 February when defending champions Wales kicked off the tournament with a 42-0 win over Italy. Wales will not be able to retain their trophy after losses to Ireland, France and England. But more notably their players – like and we won’t be going home until we those of the other teams – have had to get off the plane from Paris. When we spend a lot of time off the pitch. Even had a day off from training, we weren’t as they return, their match at Parc y allowed out of our hotel. We wear Scarlets against Scotland today is masks and we’re tested every week.’ taking place during another lockdown. Even though the players have been Wales defence coach Byron playing regional rugby in crowdless Hayward is one of the players and staff grounds, Byron admits getting to grips with international rugby that it will still be different during a pandemic. not playing a Six Nations Speaking from south Wales ahead match in a packed of their warm-up match in France last Principality Stadium, weekend, he says: ‘We’re in a bubble, ‘which is usually like an extra player for us’. Rugby currently looks unusual, but Byron, who played the sport before and after it turned professional, hopes it can always be enjoyable. ‘I’ve always loved being on the field with the boys and building those relationships,’ he says. ‘Yes, there are pressures to get results and we work hard, but it’s important to keep that perspective and make sure you enjoy what you’re doing.’ Byron’s perspective on life has been shaped by his decision to become a ‘fully committed’ Christian. ‘I was in and out of faith all my life,’ he says. ‘I went to Sunday school, my grandparents took me to church, but from the age of 11 or 12, I was just obsessed with sport until I finished playing.’ However, after being treated for an Byron Hayward
eye cancer in 2013, he felt he should go to church. ‘I got to know a few people there, and I enjoyed the feeling I had when I went – that feeling of love. Now faith is the most important thing in my life.’ He is certain that his faith has improved his coaching. ‘It has helped me be more empathetic. When we finish playing, we can forget that we used to make mistakes. Players don’t miss tackles on purpose. I try to find out the reasons for it, and help them out. ‘I see my job as a coach to do everything I can to help players become better and have better experiences in rugby, which gives you better life experiences.’ Faith has also shaped Byron’s perspective off the pitch. Recently, he has been helping a church deliver food parcels to people in the community. ‘That’s real pressure, when you can’t put food on the table for your children,’ he says. And during a time of worries, he has found encouragement in the Bible – in particular passages showing how God helps people in their toughest times. ‘It can give us courage,’ says Byron. ‘When we are going through storms, we can know that Jesus is by our side.’
It’s important to enjoy what you’re doing
31 October 2020 • War Cry • 3