Gregan conducts coaching clinic for school rugby players
HSBC Rugby Ambassador George Gregan conducted a coaching master class for school rugby players yesterday, as part of his two-day tour to Sri Lanka to support the development of the game in the island.
The master class was conducted for all captains and scrum halves of the ‘A’ Division school rugby tournament, mentoring and engaging them in coaching activities.
Speaking to the media after that session, Gregan said he was impressed by what he saw from the young players.
“I was so impressed by the young talent I coached, and what stood out for me was their enthusiasm and thirst wanting to get better,” he said.
He said his coaching session was focused on the fundamentals of the sports, especially passing which has become an important part of the modern game, regardless of the position an individual plays.
Gregan also highlighted the growing influence of sevens rugby around the world, as a vehicle to promote the game to the global audience.
“What I have noticed through the sevens programme, especially with it being included in the Olympics in 2016, is that the gap between the strong playing nations and the emerging nations is getting narrower and narrower. Only two weeks ago Kenya beat Fiji in the finals (of a Sevens series tournament) and who would have thought two weeks before that America would beat the Australia in the preliminary matches in Hong Kong (sevens tournament)? These things are happening more and more in sevens because the game is growing and some for these kids I have coached today will probably say,“i want to play in the Olympics. I want to be a part of this team that has a chance to play on the international stage”, and I think rugby is in a positive situation at the moment – with what we have through sevens and through investment in the game through people such as HSBC.”
“My experience in such a short time has been exceptional. And I can see the growth of the game happening in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Gregan is Australia’s highest internationally capped player, and was an integral part of the John Eales-captained Wallabies team that won the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales before he went on to captain the team that lost the final of the 2003 edition to England. He was also the 64th player to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013.
Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives Sriyan Cooray said,“we feel this is a good opportunity, as we further our commitment and support towards Rugby in Sri Lanka to give rugby fans and emerging players a chance to interact with a celebrity player. We welcome all rugby fans to visit the HSBC Rugby Zone at the Bradby Fiesta on 30 April and meet HSBC Rugby ambassador, George Gregan in person.”
Speaking further, Secretary of the SLRFU Nazeem Mohamed commented,“we are delighted to have George in Sri Lanka. It is fantastic for the game and especially for the future stars of Sri Lanka Rugby who will meet him. We are thankful that HSBC has taken this great initiative to help and promote the sport in the country.”
Gregan will join fans to witness the Bradby first leg encounter between Royal and Trinity played at the Royal College Rugby Complex.