- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
A recent history of Australian rugby would have a rather thin entry under the heading of world class props. Clearly great props don’t just happen.
The question I’d like to see discussed is how we move toward the creation of a ‘system’ and a ‘culture’ that encourages and supports the development of a sizable cadre of routinely highly capable and some world-class props.
The idea of a ‘prop’ school doesn’t appear to have got much traction.
Even if it does, it doesn’t constitute a system, nor does it necessarily lead to a culture that values the so called ‘dark arts.’
Furthermore, it isn’t clear to me how to implement a ‘prop’ school.
Would it be targeted at those athletes (would-be props) who’d already reached the elite levels in their respective competitions?
A look at the recent performances of ‘The Beast’, an ex-back-rower who can prop, run, step and who knows what else, should provide some evidence that great props don’t necessarily start out as props.
Sheridan is another example who started out as a back-rower (but I’d rather have the Beast).
On the chance that someone who can make it happen reads this post, what might be done?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.