Archer excited as rugby returns
NEWBURY Blues head coach Paul Archer is excited that his side will be able to return to action without restricted rules.
Since restrictions were lifted last month, aspects of rugby such as scrums and mauls have returned to the lower levels of the game.
It now means Blues can return to normal, starting from Saturday when they have an inter-club friendly at Monks Lane.
“We just want to get people out on the pitch, so there can be a proper run out and we can have a proper game again now with scrums and mauls,” said Archer.
Even though Archer didn’t expect normality to return to the sport just yet, he is relieved to see everything come back.
“It is nice the full game is coming back. I was a little
sceptical that it would, even though I am glad we’re there.
“Rugby is traditionally a game for everyone and without the physical elements of the game, there would be some people who might not be able to show off their physical talents.
“Having said that, we have been playing with the adapted rules for some time and we were getting used to it.
“There have definitely been positives from it in terms of having to play a different way and having everyone fitter because the ball is in play for longer.
“It has had its benefits, but in the wider contexts of life in general and getting back to normality, it is nice that rugby has followed suit.”
After the friendly, Blues will travel to face Wimbledon on August 21 and as they are in two leagues above them, the head coach is aware of the challenge.
He said: “They are a very strong team and they are a couple of levels above us in terms of league structures, but we’re going there to test ourselves.
“We know from our time at level 5 that teams who play at a higher level play at higher tempo and intensity.
“It is what we want to achieve ourselves and it will be a great test for us.”