Q and A with Kent Havoc Coach Brian Hall, "Rugby is the ultimate team sport"
Jaleesa Russell - Kent Havoc Rugby - Photo Copyright Chris Marvell
Chatham-Kent, ON – With rugby season fast approaching in Chatham-Kent, the CKSN caught up with Kent Havoc Junior Girl’s rugby coach Brian Hall. Rugby is a relatively new sport to Chatham-Kent, however it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the municipality’s most entertaining games. The Chatham-Kent Sports Network asked Hall several questions about the Kent Havoc Rugby Club, and the sport of Rugby in general. Below, you’ll find our questions, and his responses:
Q: What kind of experience is required to sign up to participate in the Kent Havoc Rugby programs?
A: No previous experience is required, we will teach new players all they need to know to play the game safely and within the Laws of the game. We currently have junior (age 15-18) and senior (age 19 and over) programs for both men and women, but we would like to expand into minor and mini age groups in the future. In 2010 we had players from 15 to 54 years of age.
Q: Rugby was once seen as an international, non-Canadian, game. Why do you think this sport is experiencing success in Chatham-Kent?
A: I think we have been fortunate to gather together a great group of players and volunteers that love and promote the sport. Our club has a philosophy of inclusiveness, if you want to play or just be a part of the club you are welcomed with open arms. The game of Rugby makes that possible, as there are on field player positions for all body types. The bigger slower players tend to be forwards, and the quicker smaller players tend to be backs. Rugby is the ultimate team sport.
Q: What is the greatest barrier the Kent Havoc, as an organization, face in Chatham-Kent?
A: I think we have 2 barriers. The first is the lack of facilities for practice and games. The second is the image of Rugby that most people have. They see 30 players running around playing a full contact sport without equipment, in a very free-flowing and somewhat chaotic way. That looks pretty scary to people who know football or hockey. Once you get to know the game, you will love it.
Q: In general, what do you find exciting about playing and watching rugby?
A: I like watching the players try to make what they practiced happen on game day. Rugby is a very tactical game in a mostly non-stop environment. The players are the ones who have to make all of the decisions, try to figure out what their opponent is doing, make adjustments and execute the game plan. The coaches have little impact on the game once it starts. It doesn’t matter what level of Rugby you watch or play, it is a fascinating part of the contest for me.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about rugby in Chatham-Kent?
A: I think Rugby is the most rewarding sport I have ever been involved in. Working hard to get fit, learning the game, fitting into a team in a fast, free flowing full contact environment challenges people in ways you need to experience to understand. But once the game is over, we leave it on the field and socialize with our opponent. The spirit of the game is as important as the Laws that govern it.
Registration for the Kent Havoc Rugby Club takes place March 21 and 23 from 6pm until 9pm at Boston Pizza in Chatham, and March 26 from 11am until 2pm. Information can also be found at www.havocrugby.com.