Randwick rugby coaching legend Jim Dubos still training youngsters

THERE are few men in Sydney’s history who have contributed as much to rugby as Jim Dubos.

JSS - Coogee man service to sport

THERE are few men in Sydney’s history who have contributed as much to rugby as Jim Dubos.

The 65-year-old has coached 1000s of young players, launched three union clubs and a junior academy for up-and-comers.

Dubos, who has been coaching for more than 40 years, said there was few experiences as rewarding as making a lasting impact on the rookies he takes on.

“I think the greatest compliment is when a kid you’ve coached comes up to you as an adult to say: ‘G’day, Jim, I don’t know if you remember me but you were my coach 30 years ago’.”

Dubos, from Coogee, has coached many players who have gone on to professional success such as NSW Waratahs centre Rob Horne and retired scrum half Chris Whitaker.

Jim started the Randwick Junior Rugby Academy two threes ago to keep youngsters on the ball. Picture: John Appleyard

He said part of the reason he started the Randwick Junior Rugby Academy three years ago was to keep talented kids focused on rugby and developing their skills instead of drifting off into other sports.

“The main thing is to upskill and actually teach them how they can train by themselves,” he said.

Dubos, who is nominated for a Asteron Life Insurance Community Coach of the Year Award, is this week’s Southern Courier Junior Sports Star Service to Sport nominee.

NOMINATE

■ To nominate someone you know for the Young Sporting Spirit, Junior Sport Star, Service to Sport or Team Spirit categories go to juniorsportsstar.com.au

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■ Southeast sprinting talent Jessica Thornton was awarded the 2014 Junior Sports Star of the Year