Pirrit taking small steps at a time

New rugby coach predicts decent future for Pakistan.

LAHORE:

Pakistan’s new rugby coach Mike Pirrit has predicted a ‘fairly decent’ future for the country and has warned that a proper development programme is needed to uplift the sport in this part of the world.

The International Rugby Board appointed the New Zealander for a two-month period to train the Pakistan team ahead of their international assignment next month when they participate in the five-nation HSBC A5N Division III to be held in Jakarta.

“I’m not here to achieve huge goals,” Pirrit told The Express Tribune. “It’s a short-term contract so I can’t make huge claims. Rugby doesn’t have a rich following in Pakistan and isn’t played at the grass-root level but my aim is to make the people understand the game so that when I leave, the country is on track to produce quality players and coaches.”

However, the coach said that his task has been made easier since Pakistan players have displayed interest and enthusiasm necessary to promote the game besides having the necessary physical requirements.

“I feel there’s a prospect in developing the game here. Players have the necessary power and after some technical training, there is a lot of hope,” said Pirrit, who has played rugby for 34 years in different parts of the world and is an internationally-recognised coach.

‘Give it a couple of years’

The Kiwi insisted that South Asian countries including Pakistan are currently in the development stages but in a couple of years, the game can attract big sponsors.

“I’ll be emphasising more on educating the players coupled with basic knowledge of the game. I’ll make them understand the game’s tactics, just like chess.”

Pakistan’s rugby history

Pakistan made their international debut against Sri Lanka in 2003, a match they lost 75-3. Three years later, they bagged their first win against Guam 27-22. Pakistan have played 13 matches and have won only three.

“Pakistan lack international exposure and basic know-how of the game. You see others like Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, they play each other frequently but Pakistan’s a bit isolated. They need international competition to flourish.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2011.