Hero photograph
IRP
 
Photo by Mark Ealey

Passing "Rugby 101" in New Zealand

Mark Ealey —

This year, two students from Europe decided to give rugby a go at Burnside High School.

This year, two students from Europe decided to give rugby a go at Burnside High School. Richard Nothwang from Germany and Marlene Jahn from Austria had never played before, but both were very pleased that they pushed themselves to play New Zealand’s national sport.

Richard commented: “It was an amazing experience and a pleasure to play rugby at Burnside HS. I was able to enjoy the sport as part of a highly skilled team. I am really happy that I was able to improve quickly and contribute to the team’s success.”

Marlene said: “It was a great experience with the Burnside High School girls’ rugby team. I learned lots of important things about team-work and communication skills and my understanding of the game developed with time. The players and coaching staff helped me a lot through my first rugby season, making it a really enjoyable experience.”

Richard and Marlene proved that with good coaching it is possible to start rugby in the late teens and enjoy playing in the world’s strongest rugby nation. Burnside High School welcomes students who would like to try rugby during their New Zealand study experience.