England Players Go Back to School
Home-schooling was given an added rugby twist earlier this month, when ten England players joined online school assemblies.
George Ford, Max Malins, Paolo Odogwu, Dan Robson, Mark Wilson, Elliot Daly, Ben Earl, Maro Itoje, Anthony Watson and Jack Willis answered pupils’ questions in schools and colleges assemblies.
The players went back to school as Eddie Jones and England Rugby aimed to help motivate students by giving them and their teachers something different to start their school day.
Jones kicked off the activity by virtually joining Ravenscote Junior School, in Frimley, and said: “As a former school principal, I really feel for teachers, parents and students who are getting to grips with home-schooling.
“I really enjoyed the Q&A with Ravenscote. We had a bit of fun talking about superpowers or whether to choose Marmite or Vegemite. We also covered plenty of rugby topics and how to keep fit and practise rugby skills at home.
“We are in a privileged position being able to play the sport we love and to do our jobs. We know that’s not the case for many in the country and are aware of how tough life is at the moment.
“A lot of the students’ parents are key workers, so we also wanted to make them realise how much we appreciate what their parents are doing for the country. As a squad, we are keen to do whatever we can to support the grassroots game and wider community.”
Schools and colleges that had been going the extra mile to support their community and promote rugby union were selected, with players talking to students at state primary and secondary schools, including RFU All Schools, as well as prep schools and established rugby playing schools that reached the U18 and U15 Schools Finals but couldn’t play at Twickenham due to Covid.
The RFU’s ongoing activity to support community rugby during lockdown also includes England Senior Men and Red Roses players hosting Q&A sessions for club players, coaches and volunteers. Players have also been setting challenges, sharing position specific advice and suggesting drills to help community coaches and players develop skills and fitness at home.
George Ford
We are so lucky to be here in camp and it was great to be able to share some of the excitement for the Six Nations and answer questions. The squad are really enjoying the Q&As and we hope it helps to motivate students and break up the monotony of lockdown for players who can’t get out on a pitch together at the moment.”
After speaking to Crossley Heath School in Halifax
Dan Robson
I think my favourite question had to be whether I was allowed to eat puddings. For the record, I am, and apple crumble and sticky toffee pudding are my favourites. We did also cover more serious questions like role models and how important it is to have good relationships with your team-mates. It was just great to help in some small way. We appreciate how lucky we are and we’re keen to help put smiles on people’s faces when we can.”
After speaking to Westonbirt Prep School in Gloucestershire
Paolo Odogwu
It was good fun chatting to the students about everything from how to exploit a line break, to how to balance work with passions outside the game. We also had a good discussion on how we can increase the number of black players in positions like fly half and scrum half and introduce players to those skilful, decision-making roles at an earlier age so they can learn young and come through into the professional game in those positions.
Now it’s being spoken about more and now rugby’s becoming more popular, I think that will happen. The more the perception of rugby is changed for people that aren’t usually exposed to it, the more you’ll get players from different backgrounds coming into it."
After speaking to Hereford VI Form college
Mark Wilson
We know lockdown is taking its toll on people’s mental and physical health, so it was good to be able to provide some respite and support for students, teachers and parents.
I played a year of senior rugby at Blaydon RFC, so not a million miles away from Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe. It was great to hear how well the All Schools Programme is going and how many kids they’ve introduced to rugby who are now loving it. It’s tough to stay motivated when you can’t play a game you love, so we want to remind students of why it’s worth hanging in there and that they won’t be in lockdown forever.”
After speaking to Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe
