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Saints get new equipment: Local Rugby Club Purchases Scrum Master Through Trillium Foundation Grant
The Observer (Sarnia)
Monday, March 28, 2005
Page: A7 / FRONT
Section: Sports
Byline: Dave Borody
The Sarnia Saints Rugby Club has a new piece of valuable training equipment thanks to financing from the Ontario Trillium Fund.
The Saints recently took possession of a new start-of-the-art Scrum Machine, courtesy of Victoria based, Scrum Master.
It is valued at $26,000 and according to Saints president Craig McKenzie, will help the Saints provide specialized scrummage training to Sarnia-Lambton's rugby community.
"This is a much-needed piece of safety and training equipment that will have an immediate impact on local youth rugby programs," said McKenzie.
"Our old machine was about 20 years-old and it was becoming a bit of a safety factor."
According to McKenzie, scrumming is an integral part of rugby and proper training is required to develop safe and proper techniques.
McKenzie adds not only will the machine create a higher level of safety, it will also give the Saints a distinct advantage over their competition.
Another important aspect is the unit's portability. Although the machine tips the scales at just over 1,000 kilos, the machine comes with a built-in-two package, a benefit which will be used to help the Saints provide localized training to Sarnia-Lambton's high schools.
"The junior development program in Lambton County will be the biggest benefactors as scrumming at the grass-roots level is extremely difficult without such specialized equipment," explains Mackenzie.
"Sarnia has developed a reputation over the last few years by feeding the provincial and national teams with good, young talent. This will only help reinforce that reputation."
Most recently, Brian Collins and Huw Phillips are two Saints forwards that have graduated to the provincial and national ranks. Collins appeared in two games for Team Canada in 2004.
McKenzie said the Saints also received funding for a video resource library for rugby coaching and training.
The library will be located at the Saints clubhouse in Norm Perry Memorial Park. It will be an excellent tool for local coaches and players, as well as the general public, particularly parents who would like to learn more about the game.
The materials has been put to immediate use, through coaching and officiating seminars. McKenzie hopes these events and training material will help to establish Minor Touch Rugby this summer for boys and girls under the age of 12.
The purchase of the Scrummaster has garnished world-wide attention as both national and international rugby websides have posted articles relating to the purchase of such dedicated equipment by a non-professional team.
"If you want to compete at the highest level you need the tools to help you get there," says first-year captain Joe Rogers. "I think it will only be a matter of time before other clubs are forced to play catch-up."
Rogers is anxiously awaiting the spring weather to come so that the Saints can put the Scrummaster through its paces.
"This will only help us field a more competitive side every Saturday. Safety in training leads to safety during games and increased confidence on the pitch," said Rogers.
The Saints will be starting their 2005 season soon with an enthusiastic recruitment drive and pre-season training camp for their senior men's, junior boys and women's squad.
Courtesy of The Sarnia Observer