Bath Rugby’s prestigious training ground opened its doors recently for an exclusive skills clinic and some familiar faces were on hand to coach these lucky young fans. International players Jonathan Joseph, Taulupe Faletau, Aled Brew and Beno Obano delivered the coaching session, passing on their world-class knowledge to a group of young rugby players.
It’s not every day local rugby players have the chance to listen and learn from international and British & Irish Lions superstars. Joseph and Brew delivered a backs masterclass, with Faletau and Obano focusing on the breakdown and set-pieces with the forwards. After the session, Bath Rugby’s Aled Brew said that the players always look forward to coaching young and enthusiastic local kids.
“The lads and I thoroughly enjoy experiences like this, it’s a chance for us to engage with the young rugby players around this area and see what the Club is doing within the community. It’s especially pleasing to see the skills and determination they have at such a young age, let’s hope some of them will be back here as a professional one day.”
At the end of the session, the young fans had a chance to sit down with the players for a unique and insightful Q&A. The players answered questions about their pre-match routine and training regime, as well as joking about the worst dressed member of the first-team squad.
The children aged 13-16 came from local schools including Beechen Cliff, St Laurence School, John of Gaunt and St Augustine’s also had the opportunity to learn about some of the most essential skills and techniques needed in Rugby. Off the pitch, Bath Rugby coaches took them through their paces in the same gym the first-team squad train in and they even got to eat where the players eat during the week.
For more opportunities just like this, visit the Bath Rugby Community page here.