Touring as Physiotherapist for Rugby team
So as some of you may know, I have been away in New Zealand for three weeks at the start of July, leaving Chris in control of the clinic, and he’s done a smashing job too.
I have been away with RBAI school rugby team U15 and U16 teams touring both north and south Islands of New Zealand providing, physiotherapy/medical cover, plus a little bit of craic for our time there. The boys played 10 matches in total and won nine of these matches against top New Zealand rugby schools, which is just an amazing feat.
I have been Physiotherapist to RBAI school 1st XV since 2002. A role I stumbled upon, having some free time on a Saturday morning. I have never looked back. With trips to Barcelona, Japan, England, and Scotland, I always enjoy a good tour. The opportunity to meet new people, visit new places, spend time with great people, be part of good rugby and most important for me is to have fun whilst doing it. It has been a pleasure to work with some of the top coaches in Ireland and some great rugby players/pupils.
When the tour to New Zealand was first mentioned to me I agreed and said no problems, after all it was a few years away. Well it came around fairly quickly! There was lots of fundraising, such a superb effort put in by all the parents, boys and staff. Without them all, the tour would never have happened.
Prior to the tour I have to say that it did feel slightly daunting, being the medical cover for 45 boys. So off we went, the boys having completed SCAT tests before leaving. Whilst away, we had to do a few more SCAT tests after some of the games for those boys who suffered knocks to the head. Thankfully no one seriously concussed. It’s the safety of players which is always at the forefront of our minds. Match days were busy, helping both teams prep for each match.
So what kind of injuries did we pick up whilst away? We had some usual rugby knocks and bumps – nothing too serious, a few mild concussions (ruling boys out of playing), cellulitis, quads strain, back strain, shoulder impingement, ankle sprain, knee pain and finally some mild cold symptoms. Thankfully nothing too serious and only two visits to medical centres for the entire three weeks, which I think was pretty good all round. After all, it was winter in New Zealand and cold!
The entire tour has just been an incredible experience for all those involved, and one for which I will be eternally grateful.
There have been many highlights on the tour for me:-
Skyline tower in Auckland
Going to the Super 14 match between the Highlanders and the Reds in Dunedin
Watching the match between the British and Irish Lions in the Auckland fan zone, beat the All Blacks
Seeing the Crusaders and the Chiefs at their respective training grounds
Queenstown – Fergburger (best burger in the world), Luge racing, white water rafting, helicopter ride through the snowy valley, jet boat on the Shotover river, The views of the wintery countryside/mountains.
Maori village, Rotorua – experiencing the culture, the food, the games, the lifestyle.
Mini team competition, fines and court session, were always a laugh. My own mini team of Robin, Tom, Michael, PC, Stuarty Mc, Alex and Sam, were unfortunate to miss out on the top team prize but definitely a top group of lads. PC and Sam were our winners for top tourists as voted by the boys and the management.
The most important one for me in the list here is the way in which our two inexperienced teams played their rugby. They gelled well and played good rugby and beat some good, hard opposition. You have to remember that this is our summertime, and our boys haven’t played much rugby for a few months.
Beating all the boys at table tennis at Otago Boys HS with Jonny Peak, winning 10 pin bowling
Kyle, our bus driver was a fountain of knowledge (except rivers) and couldn’t do enough to help out.
The New Zealand people in general were so friendly, kind, social and brilliant.
The boys have been incredible ambassadors for our country with everyone they met and for all the families that they got to spend time with out there. They, their parents and the school should be very proud how they have conducted themselves both on and off the pitch. I certainly am! Each boy on the trip will have their own story to tell and highlight (even shooting possum). If you ever get the chance to ask them about it, then ask them. It’s hard to put down on paper just how incredible the whole tour was.
I personally would like to thank Dan Soper and the school for the opportunity to be part of the experience. I’d also really like to thank every one of the boys for being such great craic, banter and overall just being all-round ‘good’. I can’t believe the time passed so quickly. There was never a dull moment. There have been a lot of memories created for everyone on the tour and will surely not be forgotten. Thank you too, to all the staff, great memories!!
I have added a couple of photos just to remind myself of New Zealand but also, all the people who made the trip so great.
Sweet as bro!
Gavin
