Students given Classic Lions masterclass

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14: The Classic Lions may have a World Rugby Classic semi-final looming against Australia – but that didn’t stop them putting on a coaching session for middle schools students today.

On the main Classic pitch at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire, former international 7's player Ben Breeze led the team in educating the children as part of the RenaissanceRe and Classic Lions sponsor Junior Rugby Day.

The schools involved were: Clearwater Middle School, Dellwood Middle School, Saltus Grammar School, Sandys Secondary Middle School, Somersfield Academy, T.N. Tatum Middle School, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute Middle School.

Focusing separately on attack, defence, SAQ (speed, agility and quickness) and games – Breeze hopes the session will lay the foundations for the pupils to go on and play more rugby.

“The players did a fantastic job and looking at the kids and the buzz among them, they really appreciate their effort,” said Breeze, who is chief executive of the Bristol Rugby Community Foundation in England.

“Everyone involved in rugby understands it’s more than just a game of 30 guys — there’s something a little more special to it.

“It’s our job as ambassadors of the game, if we can bottle and use the honesty and integrity, the need for teamwork, the inclusive nature of the game where actually the short, big, strong guys are the first guys to get picked not the last, and the use of aggressive behaviour in a positive environment — if the children can grasp those things, you have the perfect recipe for success."

Glenn Blakeney, Minister of Youth, Families and Sports, added: “Today’s event is a unique opportunity courtesy of the Classic Lions for students to learn about the positive aspects of rugby, and to be taught by battle-tested veterans of the international rugby circuit is no small feat at all and is greatly appreciated."

He added: “At the core of rugby is a set of old-school principles of fair play and sportsmanship and a pursuit of excellence. Hopefully some of the students will be inspired to play more rugby as they grow.”