Grant

What can the school and parents expect from your team this weekend?

People can expect an all-in approach from the Selborne boys. Every boy will give of their best for the full 70 minutes. It’s been an emotional season from experiencing both highs and lows and these boys are desperate to finish the season off on a high.

Where is your strength as a team?

We never back away from a challenge. We’ve proven to be resilient this year at times when it has mattered. We are strong up front and possess a skillset at the back that is more than capable of finishing.

What is the most difficult part of coaching a school team?

It’s a massive balancing act. Ensuring the boys have a holistic development whilst at school as well as putting in the time to ensure the team is as prepared as possible to take on and perform every weekend can be a challenge.

Why in your opinion, does school rugby get more competitive each year?

A lot of schools are realising more and more the marketing potential their first team rugby side carries, and as a result more and more resources are pumped into the various rugby programmes.

FIRST TEAM RUGBY COACH: GREY HIGH SCHOOL

What is the highlight of your team’s rugby season this year?

Beating Dale at home with a great team performance was by far the highlight of our season for me personally.

How do you motivate your team?

I try to always have a good energy around the team to keep good spirits. My way of motivating the guys is always with a quick chat and then simply a reminder that we are the Selborne College first team.

Are you happy with your team’s line-up for this weekend? Do you have any injuries in your team?

There are a few bumps and bruises, but the guys coming into the team have played a lot of games and have gained valuable experience throughout the season. I am confident in the team that will take the field against Grey.

What do you as a team want to achieve this year? What will make you proud?

A result over Grey at home would be a great way to end our season.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to continue playing rugby and studying in South Africa next year.

What can the school and parents expect from your team this weekend?

We’re here to make the school, parents and old boys proud with a performance that validates 100% effort and guts, combined with smart decisions. Where is your strength as a team?

We have a balanced side and when the forwards and the backline are on the same wavelength, we attack very well.

What is the most difficult part of coaching a school team?

Time is very limited and obviously working with all other sporting codes and teaching constraints, planning is essential.

Why in your opinion, does school rugby get more competitive each year? Yes definitely, there is so much exposure these days and schools use rugby as a marketing tool. In my opinion it will only get more competitive.