Supporting Guernsey’s schools with rugby legend Nathan Hines
Earlier this month, we were absolutely thrilled to support a wonderful event alongside the Guernsey Rugby Association. Kindly hosted by St Sampson's High School's PE Department, the session saw over 70 talented young students and rugby lovers from local Guernsey schools attend an extra special training event with ex-rugby international Nathan Hines.
The training activities were about nurturing rugby talent but also aimed to give pupils the chance to work together as a team, make new friends and get outside and enjoy the fresh air. We were very lucky the weather was on our side and it was a lovely, sunny day.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn from a respected member of the rugby community. The students had a chance to receive both group and individual coaching from Nathan during a 40-minute game-based coaching session run by the Guernsey Rugby Association's Development Team.
As well as running a masterclass in rugby skills especially tailored for the youngsters, there was also a Q&A session and a chance to chat with Nathan. With 77 caps for Scotland and a tour with the British and Irish Lions, as well as an impressive career with clubs like Edinburgh, Perpignan, and Clermont Auvergne, Nathan's wealth of expertise is a treasure trove for those wanting to learn more about perseverance and excelling in any field.
Steve Melbourne MBE, Director of Rugby Development Guernsey, said of the event, 'The students are so fortunate to have had this fantastic opportunity and speak to and be coached by an International player and coach,' he went on to say, ‘Nathan spoke with everyone offering advice on both playing and ways to improve personal skills.'
Gallagher Business Development Executive, Stephen Rafferty, said, ‘It was truly wonderful to be part of this event and we want to say a big thank you to both Nathan Hines and the Guernsey Rugby Association. Bringing people together through grassroots sports is especially important to us and it was wonderful to see the students in action whilst learning from such a great role model.’