Coombs bids farewell to Pakistan

Welsh rugby coach hopes PRU continues his work at grass-roots level.

KARACHI: Welsh rugby coach Roger Coombs will bid farewell to Pakistan this week and hopes that the Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU) will carry his mission forward to develop the sport at the grass-roots level.

Coombs, who joined PRU last year, had been focusing on establishing the sport’s credibility at school level. He also led Pakistan to the U19 Pak-India bilateral series win last year.

“It has been pleasant here in Pakistan,” Coombs told The Express Tribune.

“I’ve met a lot of nice people and I can say that there is a lot of potential here in Pakistan. It’s a big country. There are a lot of talented boys in the schools; so yes, the work on grass-roots level is important.”

The rugby professional will return to his home in Woodbridge, Suffolk, in the UK where he is planning to stay for a while and spend time with his daughters and grandchildren.

“Before coming to Pakistan, I was in Nigeria for 13 months,” said Coombs. “Now, I’ve taken up a job at the London Division one club. It’s a semi-professional league, but it’s closer to home. I’ve been away for a while now.”

Commenting on the difference between Nigeria and Pakistan, he said that both are distinct.

“I can say that Pakistan is nicer, but Nigeria was more fun,’ said Coombs candidly.

“But Pakistan is also a good place. It’s got potential. People are nice.”

When asked about the security situation as a foreign coach in a politically volatile country, Coombs said that he felt safe.

“For myself, I can say that I had no problem here,” he said.

“But yes, my daughters did get worried. They called me when there was an attack at the Karachi airport. It’s sad that Pakistan has a certain image abroad. But for myself, I can say that I was safe.”

However, the Welsh said that he is a little worried about the continuation of his plans.

“I’m a bit worried, yes,” said Coombs. “I hope the PRU can continue with promoting my work and supporting women’s rugby. I hope that the senior players in the national side can reach out to the juniors.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2014.

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