Coach’s Corner | Hong Kong impress in Asian championship, but are hard work and planning or Tyler Spitz’s ‘fables on life’ driving progress?
Leigh Jones reflects on his side’s performances against Japan and South Korea and gives an insight into life as a top-level coach
It’s always good, after the dust has settled, to reflect on events past. With the recent Asia Rugby Championship in mind, my reflections take me back to well before the beginning of the competition to the visit of the Chiefs.
Our visiting allies have proved an invaluable resource over the past three seasons in allowing us to test our mettle against a young, physical and skillful group.
This season was no exception with their squad brimming with youthful talent, all of whom were keen to stake their claim for senior squad selection and fulfil their Super Rugby dream.
This emphasis means that the numerous joint training sessions that take part over the course of their visit have a real purpose – our guys are seeking ARC selection while theirs are trying to simply get noticed amongst a pretty competitive and talented group.
Hence the game on the final Saturday proves a meaningful occasion for all, with private agendas at the forefront for many players and coaches. The players – to get picked. The coaches – to evidence firm progress and illustrate we are going in the right direction as a relatively new professional group.
While we did not manage to win, we did show some clear progress. All in all, it was a pleasing start and maybe a solid springboard to bigger and better things in the forthcoming Asia Rugby Championship. However, with sport being sport, you never can tell!
