By Patrick Lujan
The sport of rugby has grown exponentially in the last generation since a bunch of Kiwis brought it to Guam in the 1990’s. It has gone from a sport of interest to a highly-participated activity that has resulted in numerous collegiate careers with indicators continuing to move upward.
With that said, the Guam Rugby Club Barbarians (headed by coach Tony Costa) is dipping into the fountain of rugby knowledge with an upcoming 10-day clinic headed by New Zealand rugby coach Conor Hirini, head of the renowned Matakesi/Hirini Rugby Academy.
“We’re achieving the most collegiate scholarships out of all the sports, so we need to try and raise the bar,” Costa said. “We want to elevate the skill sets of our local rugby players.”
This past summer, Costa took 25 high school players to New Zealand for almost a month to immerse into the sport. Bringing in coach Hirini allows more local players to get the same level of teaching with ample time to work on the skills.
Not only is coach Hirini an adept rugby instructor, he’s also married to one of the most accomplished female players in New Zealand history – Sarah Hirini. She’s the current captain of the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s national women’s team. She is a a two-time Olympic gold and silver medalist and four-time World Cup champion. Unfortunately, she’s unable to join her husband on this trip as she prepares for the upcoming World Series 7’s tournament.
TRAINING SCHEDULE
Nov 13-23 (except Sunday) at Guam Rugby Field next to Wettengel, Dededo
4 pm-5:30 pm: novice
5:45 pm-7:30 pm: advanced
All athletes will receive meals after session and a shirt
Register at www.guamtime.net $320 (dinner every night)
“We can focus on detail and the little things but still have 10 sessions to try and perfect what we do,” coach Hirini said. “Rugby Sevens is an exciting game with lots of different moving parts so there will be a bit to cover which I am excited for.”
Huge focus will be on catching and passing “as that is the number one action in rugby 7s. All of the good teams in the world nail the basics. (I’m going to) introduce exciting attacking systems teams aren’t used to playing against.”
Coach Hirini is coming to Guam with an open mind and ready to provide valuable rugby knowledge but also take back some as well.
“No expectations,” he said. “I’m excited to experience a good length of time in Guam for the first time and immerse myself in the culture and see rugby from a different point of view. I want to swim in the ocean, get familiar with my surroundings as I have heard great things about Guam. Try some of the local food.”
