Kia Ora Gentlemen,
I thought I would get this going while things are relatively fresh, and as I am now at the end of my Wellington rugby experience. First I’d like to thank those of you who were involved with putting this award together. I don’t believe that words can articulate the true impact this opportunity has had on me as a coach. Furthermore, I am humbled to be recognized amongst such an outstanding group of coaches from our province.
My rugby journey has included highlights such as observing the Hurricanes as they prepared to close out their Super 15 season, taking in their final game live in Christchurch, daily interactions with the Wellington academy strength and conditioning coaches and players, visits to high school and local club competitions, and an invitation to the Hurricanes U18 development camp. In terms of rugby, this experience has been an invaluable look at how a rugby first nation operates at the highest level.
I’d like to say thank you to Evan Crawford on behalf of myself and the BCRU. Evan and a collection of outstanding WRFU coaches were responsible for facilitating this valuable rugby experience and for hosting Jordan and I over the past two weeks. It is my sincere hope that future coaches get to develop in the Wellington system, as it truly is a center of rugby excellence within the NZRU.
Before I left I was asked to share some ideas that I have had since spending the past two weeks in Wellington; here are some that I think others might take from as we look at the game of rugby in our province:
1. Investigate the further development of a BC Center of Excellence/Rugby Academy for players 18+, with a combination of S&C and skill coaches working to continue developing players at an elite level.
- Inquire into educational and sport specific carding/scholarships for BC athletes within this program.
- Invest in and support a secondary sport academy that will offer rugby i.e. Sentinel
2. Continue to invest in technology e.g. HR monitors and feedback analysis software, video equipment, sports code etc.
3. Look into modelling the NZRU youth development program which allows boys to safely learn to tackle at 7.5 years of age. It also features a clear pathway that athletes and parents can follow to national levels of competition.
4. Continue sending players to Wellington for development with specific objectives of training with academies and competing for local club teams.
5. Continue supporting the Gerald McGavin coaching award, as it is an invaluable experience.
In closing, despite hurricane like weather, three tremors and one 6.9 earthquake, I will always be grateful for this outstanding opportunity. For a long time I have been fascinated with the rugby culture of NZ represented by the world champion All Blacks, the power of The Haka, and favorite players such as Lomu, Williams, McCaw, and Carter. I will never forget this once in a lifetime chance to see the pathway NZ athletes take to become champions in the sport.
I look forward to playing a role as an academy coach, so that I may use what I have learned to develop future rugby athletes and continue cultivating the sport in our province.
A sincere thank you once again,
Rameses Langston
BC U18 Coach
