Youngsters get a taste of world championship rugby at Haywards Heath

There’s an obstacle in the way though in the substantial shape of the mighty New Zealand All Blacks who showed their form in a six-try demolition of Australia in the recent second game of the southern hemisphere’s version of our own Six Nations tournament.

Youngsters from Heath and the Mid Sussex area were able to get a taste of what All Blacks rugby is about at last week’s ‘Kiwis Are Coming’ coaching course at Whiteman’s Green. As well as developing skills and techniques that have formed the building blocks of the All Blacks game for so many years, the boys were able to learn something of the passion and culture that fires the game in New Zealand - including learning the fearsome Haka with which the All Blacks honour (and frighten) their opponents before each of their games!

It was a great four days led by accomplished Kiwi coaches who have been coming to this country each summer for the last six years. Most have played for Auckland Blues in Super 14 and the team was led by Martin Stanley, brother of renowned All Black centre, ‘Smokin’ Joe Stanley.

The boys and coaches are pictured at the start of the week surrounding a new BMW displayed by Vines of Gatwick who generously supported the junior rugby course. BMW are the main sponsors for England rugby.

More Haywards Heath rugby news in this week’s Middy