A short while ago, the Sydney rugby team that I had formerly been part of invited me to be a member of a panel charged with choosing their new head coach. Even though I have moved on, I have always kept in touch with the team that enriched my life so significantly. A few weeks back, some old team mates got in touch as the club was experiencing difficulties and asked for my help.
I personally believe it’s crucial for those of us who have gained so much from the sport to give back to the system that nurtured us. This is not me boasting of any virtues. In the past, retired rugby players would give back to their communities, ensuring that upcoming generations could learn the transformative power of the game.
Keeping faith in the old adage that giving to the sport rewards you, while taking from it leaves you lessened, I, along with two younger colleagues, began the journey of finding a leader capable of reviving our iconic club, West Harbour, and propelling it to the pinnacle of club rugby in Australia.
The response to such a gargantuan responsibility, which commanded a fairly modest salary, was splendid. Prospective coaches, overflowing with passion, applied from different parts of the world. Individuals from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Scotland, and Australia all expressed interest in being considered for the role.
Being a product of the Shute Shield, the Australian equivalent to Ireland’s AIL, I was fully aware of the challenges this role presents. Each club in the Sydney tournament has four senior teams known as ‘grade teams’, as well as three under-20 ‘colts’ teams. Since 1900, our club’s four grade teams have played at a single venue every winter Saturday, while the colts play at another location.
With experience in Super Rugby, the Heineken Cup, the Magners League and at international level, I am absolutely certain that the most challenging setting to step into as a coach was the Shute Shield.
The tasks that come under the purview of a head coach include everything from player recruitment and match analysis, to handling player wellbeing, selections, board reporting, staffing, administrative affairs, budgetary concerns, dispute resolution and the formulation of game strategies. The only task they don’t perform is field marking. To add to this, they’re expected to bring home a victory.
Settling into such a rigorous and intricate role could lead one of two ways – you rise or you sink. Winning paves the way for a smooth sail, while losing could send you spiralling into depths.
Grasping the motivations behind wilfully stepping into such a daunting role, I put forth a straightforward query to each candidate – “Why take on this responsibility?”
The replies were nearly identical across the board. Firstly, their affinity for the game and its community was apparent. Each individual was a former player, guided by an unyielding need to compete and assert themselves against formidable competitors. Their playing years behind them, they now had an unshakeable desire to pass on the wisdom from their personal journeys in life and rugby.
In an era where skepticism prevails, these people in power had faith that they could use rugby as a tool for community improvement. Hearing their optimism was both inspiring and comforting.
Although Australian rugby currently finds itself in a state of devastation and struggle, the constant involvement of such hopeful prospective coaches provides a glimmer of hope that the sport’s wounded core will keep pulsating.
This inspired me to reflect upon how the desire to win, despite the rough route and rare chances of hoisting the trophy, can be such a compelling force.
The mindset of a coach can perhaps be best articulated through the termination clause embedded in every professional coaching contract. Ironically, it states if the coach is deemed mentally unstable or ‘mad’, the contract can be terminated. The paradox being you would have to be somewhat mad to agree to such terms in the first place. In other words, it might be beneficial to be a bit crazy if you have coaching ambitions.
However, at the core, the incentives behind coaching are quite simplistic.
I recall when Willie Anderson, a previous captain for Ireland, and I use to coach together. As we would sit in our home team dressing room, long after the final whistle of a Heineken Cup pool match, the intoxicating scent blend of muscle rub, sweat, fresh cut grass and dirt filling the empty space around us, we were reminded of the potent allure it held for old rugby players like ourselves.
Following an intense, well-contested game against a strong contender, we witnessed our team’s unity, spirit, tenacity, proficiency, and implementation of the strategies we’d prepared through rigorous analysis. Around 11pm, post a kickoff at 7:30pm, duty-bound tasks had been accomplished and we found solace in the room that, mere hours ago, was pulsating with the thrill of elite competition.
Unexpectedly, the door creaked open and an inexperienced teammate, grinning from ear to ear, sauntered in to greet us. Extended hands met with hearty gratitude and pleasantries. The utter enjoyment he’d found in the match was evident.
Once alone again, Willie unveiled our secret stash of chilled beer that initially drew us to the solitary room. A frosty bottle found its way into my grip. We exchanged a toast, took a hearty gulp and then sank into prolonged silence. As I tasted the brew, my friend from Tyrone peeked my way and mused, “This is our reason for coaching.”
The sense of fulfilment was palpable. The thrill of victory, the growth and progress of our players, and the immense gratification from being appreciated for our guidance and leadership are undeniably some of the greatest perks of coaching.
Aspiring coaches, despite varied motivations, are embarking on their distinctive paths. Similar to all rugby career paths, they will find gratification in contributing to the game.
For me, the reward of giving back to a club that I had bid farewell to over thirty years ago was the reminder that despite the trials and tribulations, coaching is among the most rewarding obsessions one can find in a sports-oriented life.