GPS First XV rugby 2020: Brisbane Grammar School First XV captain Will Hay
Brisbane Grammar School First XV rugby captain Will Hay was once a nervous public speaker who played football, but now he is as accomplished behind the microphone as he is as packing down in the front row. Andrew Dawson reports
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Being captain of the prestigious Brisbane Grammar School First XV and also school captain to boot, Will Hay must be one very good public speaker.
One of those two responsibilities is a big enough task for most, but Hay now effortlessly shoulders the roles.
But has he always been accomplished behind the microphone?
“Public speaking is definitely something I’ve had to work on over the years,’’ Hay said.
“Although I have the hang of controlling my nerves now – I used to get very nervous. “Nowadays, I take great pride in being able to get the team motivated for a game, as well as speaking and sharing messages to the broader school community.’’
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Just as Hay was not a natural public speaker, nor was he a Mr Rugby either.
Indeed it was only in the last three years has Hay zeroed in to concentrate on rugby, discarding his first love of football.
“I played club soccer, instead of rugby, at UQFC up until Year 10 – it was my main sport back then,’’ the hooker said.
“But I grew to enjoy rugby more and pursued that instead. I think the skills I learned playing soccer have greatly assisted my rugby performance.
“I still play soccer often with my mates when we get together.’’
His rise from soccer to captain BGS is one of the GPS rugby stories of the year, something Hay saviours and does not take for granted.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be captain and thankful for the support of my teammates and coaches,’’ he said.
“I know that my dad is definitely very proud of me, himself having played First and Second XV rugby at BGS in ’84, and then after school at UQ, overseas in Japan, and currently being on the board of UQRFC.’’
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It is no coincidence under Hay’s leadership BGS have shown considerable improvement in 2020, emphasised only three days ago when the side was poised for the upset of the season against premiers TSS, only to go down 20-15.
Hay and fellow returning First XV players have led by example and there are green shoots again at BGS.
“The experience and opportunity to play last year has helped my performance significantly this year,’’ he said.
“In terms of game preparation, mentality and confidence, this year I’ve felt a real boost.
“The whole culture this year has seen a positive change as well, and it has been great to be a part of that.
“This shift is a real credit to my teammates – especially the core senior group who all played last year like Tom Cox, JT Manuefetoa and Val Jara Melagrani.’’
Hay said off the field he had also benefited from being in the BGS rugby program, which is under the direction of old boy and director of rugby Phil Mooney.
“The culture that BGS develops, especially in the senior school, has contributed greatly to my development as a person,’’ Hay said.
“It lays its foundations on the core values of respect, community, endeavour, learning, and leadership.
“Particularly with leadership, BGS strengthens the ideology that a leadership position is a form of service, and as such, is an opportunity to give back and help the community.’’
The BGS First XV will be away to St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace on Saturday
ROUND 4:
Saturday
TSS v BBC
BSHS v TGS
Churchie v IGS
Terrace v BGS
Bye: Nudgee