Ben Tora, the head coach of Vinod Patel Ba rugby team, has been actively working with players from the Navala and Toge villages to enhance their rugby skills over the past two weeks. This initiative combined both development and training for the Ba players, aiming to minimize the travel burden that the Navala players faced while commuting to Ba Town for gym sessions multiple times a week.
Tora evaluated the training setups in these villages and provided individualized training routines for each player. However, his visits encountered challenges due to heavy rainfall, which affected local transportation. During his time in Toge, Tora experienced wading through knee-deep waters after the flooding blocked road access. He noted that while the flooding was daunting for him as a newcomer, local school students appeared accustomed to crossing the flooded area with ease, emphasizing the village’s resilience.
He pointed out the difficulties clubs in rural areas face, including limited transportation options and access to consistent coaching. Tora believes that just as every individual deserves a second chance, so too do these clubs deserve an opportunity for proper rugby development. His goal is to instill discipline and adherence to World Rugby Core Values in players from these communities.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ba Rugby Union, highlighted in previous articles, focusing on expanding rugby participation in rural areas and enhancing training facilities. It reflects a broader commitment to fostering the sport’s growth at the grassroots level, ensuring that players from all backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their skills and experience the sport at a higher level.
This positive direction not only benefits the players but also strengthens community ties and promotes the inclusion of rural areas in the competitive landscape of rugby. Tora’s engagement in these villages serves to bridge gaps, allowing more players to experience the rigor and culture of rugby training, which can lead to broader aspirations for future participation in larger competitions.
Leave a comment