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Opinion
It is the silly season, and, thanks to Eddie Jones, we at least have something to talk about.
But in the silly season, we Roarers get the chance to throw in a few left field articles that the “real journos” usually won’t touch (at least until they start writing their memoirs, or ghost writing a player’s autobiography).
So this is a little essay on the “grassroots”.
I’m happy to say that I am now back with my club, Brothers, Brisbane (after another bout of that Covid mongrel), observing pre-season. And may I say, the lads are looking very sharp.
(If any of you old heads are thinking about turning up for pre-season, now would be a good time).
So this year, as with last season, I have put my hand up to be the assistant fifth grade manager, to back up my good mate, Stumpy.
What it means is that 5th and 6ths are really one big squad and we rely on the older heads to turn up and make up the numbers. We’ve got some pretty impressive Rugby CVs amongst the old heads and when they run on, they are great for the younger blokes.
Sometimes they run back off soon after, buy they always give 100 percent.
It means, for example, we all head out to rainy Ipswich on a Friday night to play a 6th grade game with uncontested scrums, because they are mainly leaguies, who don’t like scrums, or it means that we turn up at crack-o-sparrow-fart on Saturday mornings at various clubs for the mighty 5ths (and a few of the older lads from the previous night, standing by just in case)… and it usually means another great day of rugby because there is no such thing as a bad day at your club.
At our home games, the Butchery is the place to be and a great Saturday arvo will always be had. I am sure that every other club boasts the same great experiences for its members.
GPS has the Gallopers and the Glue Factory – now there’s a good day out.
What it really means is that we are a united group from 3rds down to 6ths, with the likes of JD, Bonkers, Nikko, Lollie, Mike, Stumpy, Jon, Terry, Dan, Brendan, Matt, Liam, JB, Damien, Glen,Josh, and Leo …… and we are getting set for another great season.
What is also means is that, no matter how hard your work week might get, a Saturday at the footy is what restores your equilibrium.
There is nothing like Saturday at your Rugby club, with a lot of like minded people, when you watch the boys go round in all the grades, reflect on what your body will no longer let you do, wear the uniform and be part of a special brotherhood.
Everyone who is thus involved, knows what I mean. I have had the privilege to be involved with great clubs in Norths in Sydney, Easts & Marist, in Canberra and now the Brethren in Brisbane – hopefully my last and lasting, and the journey has been brilliant. I still hold those clubs close in my heart and follow them closely every season.
If people want to talk about improving the grassroots, then don’t just pay lip service, get down to your local rugby club and put your hand up. There are never enough volunteers and you will be welcomed.
If you just turn up as a spectator, on Saturday, you will never get that involved, but if you put your hand up and are prepared to turn up for training and games, you will soon be welcomed into the inner circle, even if you are a complete stranger.
Remember, a friend is just someone you haven’t met yet, and if you know even a little bit about rugby you are welcome.
Even if it’s only turning up on Saturday for ground setup, or sausage sizzling, or raffle selling, there is a place for you.
The players love it when they see that there are older heads who are prepared to make their rugby journey a bit easier.
That’s how we develop grassroots rugby.
It doesn’t matter whether you are involved with a premier club, a subbies club, womens’ rugby, juniors or school – your participation in whatever capacity you feel comfortable with, is always welcome.
If we want to be a part of the debate, we don’t just want to be paying lip service to it. Get onboard.
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.