17th Intake comes to an end

After five years away, this March the International Rugby Programme “returned home” to St Bede’s College. The transition back into the fold went smoothly thanks to the kind cooperation and effort of many people within the College and its extended rugby family. Senior management, international student administrative staff, ground and facilities staff, office, academic and library staff, boarding and catering staff, IT and sports staff all bent over backwards to ensure that the programme had a soft landing after its time away.

A total of more than 20 students of various lengths of stay participated in the 17th intake of the 22-week programme. As has always been the case, the majority were from Japan, but there were also students from Argentina, Italy, Chile, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates (an expat South African) and England. With the IRP now being a co-ed programme, the girls enrolled through our sister school Marian College.

In terms of rugby content, in comparison with the 1st intake back in 2003, the IRP has developed exponentially to include video analysis, speed and agility, core stability, skill testing and mental skills sessions, but the greatest advance has been the focus on stimulating the growth of the athletes as young people. The now widely accepted concept that “better people make better rugby players” underpins all IRP content and while at times the process can be challenging, the athletes’ ability to be on time, well-prepared, respectful, grateful, helpful and attentive is emphasized as much as improving their ability to pass, tackle and clean-out. In the background to this, having a “growth mindset” and being positive and “connected to” those around them shapes the start-line of every aspect of the programme.

As is the case every year, the range of ability was broad in 2019, but all involved shared a passion for the game that soon bound them together as a closely-knit group. 1st XV workhorse, tighthead prop Tadeo Andriani was an important player in an excellent season for our top team, but memorable contributions were also made by IRP players to our 2nd, 3rd and 4th XVs, as well as to our U16A and B teams. The girls played for UC, Christchurch FC and Marist Albion, as well as occasionally for the Wildcats high school composite team registered through Marian College.

One of the features of this year’s programme was the use of interns. There were three coaching interns from Japan, who spent most of their time within the IRP, and one local intern who ably contributed on a more part-time basis on the video analysis front. Their presence was a significant factor behind the success of the 2019 IRP.

When the players were surveyed as to what they enjoyed most about the programme, their responses were consistent with those in previous seasons, namely that they appreciated the interaction with students from all over the world (or course including locals); the focus on their development as a person; the detailed feedback on their skills and play and the chance to watch top level 1st XV and Crusaders games. If we read between the lines, we can sense the joy they felt on creating culturally diverse friendships, their readiness to be stimulated and challenged to move outside their comfort-zone and the thrill they felt when watching top rugby players performing in front of their very eyes. 

 Testimonials from IRP old boys would suggest that as time goes by, these three things make up for any fleeting moments of frustration they may feel along the way. Judging by the level of satisfaction indicated, I trust that the 17th intake will look back on their time at St Bede’s as one of the highlights of their lives.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s IRP.