‘Rugby is fastest growing sport in Pakistan’
National head coach Coombs giving introductory tutorials to train youngsters.
“Although rugby is not a routine sport among children, I can still see a lot of potential,” says Roger Coombs. PHOTO: SXC.HU
KARACHI:
Roger Coombs, who was hired as Pakistan’s rugby coach six months ago, is satisfied with the growth of the game in the country. The 66-year old is currently giving introductory tutorials on rugby to youngsters.
“Although rugby is not a routine sport among children, I can still see a lot of potential,” Coombs told The Express Tribune.
“I am giving introductory classes in different schools. The students are keen to learn, which a positive sign is. Pakistanis have a good built for this sport and I can foresee a good future.”
Coombs has so far imparted lessons to around 2500 school children of Lahore and Faisalabad.
He also paid a short two-day visit to Karachi on the latest leg of his stint.
“After the Christmas holidays, we’ll start an extensive programme countrywide,” he added. “I’ve also seen interest for rugby in Karachi and I would like to spend more days in the city. And not just with the elite schools, we also have plans to work comprehensively with children at government schools.”
‘Improvement has already started’
Earlier this month, Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India to annex the U19 Asian Rugby Championship Division Third trophy in Lahore.
“It was the first time Pakistan defeated India, which is an indication that improvement has started,” said Coombs. “My assessment says it is the fastest growing sport in the country.”
The level 3 certified coach, who was also associated with the US, Italy, Nigeria and the Caribbean in a similar capacity, stated that harnessing young talent was his real target.
“By getting more training and exposure at international level, they can raise their game. The players here have the ability to match the best in the sport.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2013.
Roger Coombs, who was hired as Pakistan’s rugby coach six months ago, is satisfied with the growth of the game in the country. The 66-year old is currently giving introductory tutorials on rugby to youngsters.
“Although rugby is not a routine sport among children, I can still see a lot of potential,” Coombs told The Express Tribune.
“I am giving introductory classes in different schools. The students are keen to learn, which a positive sign is. Pakistanis have a good built for this sport and I can foresee a good future.”
Coombs has so far imparted lessons to around 2500 school children of Lahore and Faisalabad.
He also paid a short two-day visit to Karachi on the latest leg of his stint.
“After the Christmas holidays, we’ll start an extensive programme countrywide,” he added. “I’ve also seen interest for rugby in Karachi and I would like to spend more days in the city. And not just with the elite schools, we also have plans to work comprehensively with children at government schools.”
‘Improvement has already started’
Earlier this month, Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India to annex the U19 Asian Rugby Championship Division Third trophy in Lahore.
“It was the first time Pakistan defeated India, which is an indication that improvement has started,” said Coombs. “My assessment says it is the fastest growing sport in the country.”
The level 3 certified coach, who was also associated with the US, Italy, Nigeria and the Caribbean in a similar capacity, stated that harnessing young talent was his real target.
“By getting more training and exposure at international level, they can raise their game. The players here have the ability to match the best in the sport.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2013.