TGS players learn new skills from former Wallabies player

Toowoomba Grammar School rugby players learn from former Wallabies player

EXPERIENCED GUIDE: Former Wallaby James Holbeck has been passing on his skills and knowledge to Toowoomba Grammar School rugby union players this week. Picture: Nev Madsen

RUGBY UNION: Toowoomba Grammar School is leaving no stone unturned as it prepares for its clash against traditional foe Downlands.

More than 150 players from the school's rugby teams returned from holidays early to learn from former Wallabies James Holbeck and Rod Kafer.

Holbeck said the primary focus of his involvement in the two-day clinic was culture.

"Grammar invited me to come along, watch some of the coaching, offer some feedback and talk about culture,” Holbeck said.

"It's such a professionally run outfit - when we first started playing professionally in 1996 we probably didn't train as hard as some of the schools.

"That's a challenge for them trying to find that balance but the schools are really giving players an opportunity to develop to a higher level.

"It's about providing players with good opportunities not just to progress to the next level but also off the field.”

TGS director of rugby Jono Farrell supported Holbeck's views about balance.

"Obviously we want to win and perform well,” Farrell said.

"But it's equally important that we respect our opponents and officials, that our players conduct themselves appropriately off the field and that we produce good young men.

"Education is also very important and we monitor the progress of all our players.

"It's a difficult path but it's important they (the players) balance the demands of playing rugby with their education. Not everyone can go on to be a professional rugby player but they can all prepare for life with a good education.”

The school has also taken Holbeck's views on building a good team culture to heart.

"One of the most important things we are focused on is building the identity of the team and the program from the First XV right down to the under-11s,” Farrell said.

"That is one of James' specialities - helping the boys to find their place in the team,” he said.

"You cannot rely on one or two players - you have to work well as a team and that is why culture is important.”

Originally published as TGS players learn new skills from former Wallabies player