Zinzan masterclass for youngsters

ROCHDALE RUFC Under 14s had a masterclass training session on Wednesday night when they were joined for a two-hour training session by Zinzan Brooke, the legendary New Zealand All Black Number 8.

Brooke played in 58 test matches for the All Blacks between 1986 and 1997 along with 42 noninternational matches.

He scored 17 tries in those tests, then a world record for a forward kicking a 48 metre drop goal against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

He is classed as one of the greatest rugby players of all time.

A clubs spokesman said: “The lads were well drilled by ‘the Legend’ who took no mucking around and press up punishments were dealt out to those not giving their all.

“All the lads put in 110 per cent and impressed Zinny and his assistants.

“Works were done on ball handling, rucking and game play, cumulating in a 20-minute game which he refereed, adding to the excitement by kicking each drop kick restart!

“Zinny commented that the boys trained hard and showed immense skill and determination and that if they transfer the small additional skills delivered they can go on and be a great team who will fill the Rochdale first team in a few years’ time.”

The session was followed by a great evening in the clubhouse socialising with him and the team whilst having a couple of beers and signing all the kids (and dads) shirts!