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Rugby is over for at least several weeks due to Covid 19.  There is a certain irony in ‘ no contact ’ as rugby is probably one of the most physical of all sports where contact is the feature that draws us to the game. We play knowing that in order to enjoy ‘ the contact ’ we must prepare our bodies both mentally and physically. Players spend more hours in preparation than in playing.

Here lies a similarity with beating Covid.  All of us need to train in order to beat this opponent.  While it may be disappointing the rugby season as we know it has been bruised for a time there remains much that we can be grateful about and bruising is just a temporary injury.

The principles we learn in rugby are no different for our lives values just as useful on the field as off.  

Daily exercise is just as important during lockdown as when there are larger boundaries.  Medical science shows those who have best Cardio Respiratory fitness are least affected by Covid 19.  Make sure you daily walk and make your heart and breathing rates rise to at least low puffing.  Some of our Counties - Manukau Rugby Family will become fitter during lockdown as there will be more time available to train and look after personal health.

Stretching is something everyone can do no matter how small the room.  Arm elevation, kneeling cat stretch for the back, and hip swings backwards are simple stretches that over pay back in rewards.  10 - 20 minutes of stretching five days a week can take joints well away from our bunched and damaging sitting position. 

Occupy the mind.  Return to old activities like cooking, reading, card games, woodworking mini games within your bubble.  Telephone at least one person outside your household each day and exchange ideas.  Be more concerned about others than yourself.  There are lots of people in your team, do not become buried with your head in the scrum and forget the wingers and even the management. 

Just because you feel you may be losing the game is never over until the referee blows the whistle and then there is that important five minutes after the game to show sportsmanship.  Remember you are stronger from being trained in rugby than many who have not been involved in sport.  Share your strength.

For many gathering for church is postponed and this may seem like a very heavy tackle.  Your God never said he was only to be found in your chapel.  God, like your attitude to others is in your heart and we in Counties have big hearts.

Play within the rules.  Do the best for your teammates, do not give away penalties.

Everything we have learnt we have learnt from history.  Learn from anyone who have won against the odds

Marine Corps Quotes

“He ran as he'd never run before, with neither hope nor despair. He ran because the world was divided into opposites and his side had already been chosen for him, his only choice being whether or not to play his part with heart and courage. He ran because fate had placed him in a position of responsibility and he had accepted the burden. He ran because his self-respect required it. He ran because he loved his friends and this was the only thing he could do to end the madness that was killing and maiming them.”

― Karl Marlantes, Matterhorn