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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
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