A Sharks Tale
by George Robson
I had a fantastic time in South Africa in the summer and was lucky enough to experience a different culture, lifestyle and type of rugby. I lived with nine other rugby players from the club team, Glenwood Falcons in Durban North. My time in Durban was eventful to say the least and there was never a dull moment on or off the pitch. Off the pitch I was involved as a passenger in a minor car accident - a far more common occurrence than happens here - I spent time chasing away robbers from the house I was taken by the Glenwood boys to a national park where we had a close encounter with a few rhinos. On the pitch I was lucky enough to be coached by several former Springbok Internationals, played in some tough under 19 fixtures for my club and ended up playing in Senior Curry Cup trials.
A South African Traffic Jam İGeorge Robson
The Author Doing A Zebra Impersonation İGeorge Robson
Searching for Animals in the National Park İGeorge Robson
We trained at the impressive ABSA Stadium formerly known as Kings Park and I was lucky enough, as any of the locks would have told you, to arrive in the scrummaging training period! This involved spending my first two weeks on a scrum machine. At the Academy I trained with the elite player squad where the emphasis was on position-specific skills. While I was there I was encouraged to share ideas from the English game and to offer a different perspective. The Academy used several boxes in the stadium and there were gym and training facilities based on site. The Sharks Academy set up was rather different to what we have at Harlequins, with the Academy being more of a university. Most players pay to study at the Academy with around 100 students/players training at the Academy. All of the students played for local club sides in the area at weekends and trained at the Academy a few times in the week. I trained and played for my club side Glenwood. It was here that I received coaching from Dion Kaiser and Jon Allen, both former Internationals. Both coaches had a good attacking philosophy similar to that of Collin Osborne the Academy coach at Harlequins. They encouraged us to play the game at a tremendous pace using kicking options that suited the hard grounds in Durban where the ball bounces high off the ground.
Local Players: Gerald and Noel İGeorge Robson
The Home of Glenwood Falcons İGeorge Robson
The way the game is played in South Africa is somewhat different with the hard grounds and hot, dry conditions dictating a quick high-speed game. I played in a few under 20 fixtures and just about managed to carry on breathing in the heat. There It was supposed to be winter in Durban but I thought it was pretty sunny myself being hotter than the UK in summer!
My Home in South Africa İGeorge Robson
I played in two rounds of Curry Cup trials before leaving to come home. I had had a fantastic time, and before I left I was being encouraged by many to stay, which I found flattering but unthinkable! I learned a lot about rugby, made some great friends, and experienced a new and interesting culture. The academy gave me a fantastic opportunity, and I am very grateful.
It was always hard graft in Durban... İGeorge Robson
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