Improving my chances for a spot

Question
I keep getting snubbed for selection on my rugby team, what do I do?
I am playing for a fairly competitive club (albeit by US standards) and have been playing with hem for nearly two years. I know that I have worked very hard for the club and put in many hours both on and off the pitch to not only help the club but improve myself as a player. I have been constantly told that I work harder than the bigger top level players (we have an upper and a lower level side) but it seems to have made little impact so far as I can tell. I seem to see little improvement, and when I do it is never enough to earn myself a spot. Despite the coaches telling us that "Only the players that show to practices can play" It never seems to be the case for me. I wonder if it may the position I am trying to play could be a part of the problem. For the whole while I have been playing as a hooker, and while I am fairly effective and very experienced with it, I feel very undersized at just 5'7 165 pounds. Any advice on improving my chances for selection etc?

Answer
Hi Robbie,

Never let size be your issue. For one it shouldn't matter. I can't speak for your coach but your size for a hooker is fine. Also you can't suddenly make yourself 6' and 230lb's so that shouldn't be your fight.

Ask for very specific attributes that you coach is looking for in the hooker position, regardless of who plays it.

Then ask which of those specific things you do have and which you don't have.

If he has it in his head that he needs a hooker to be a 3rd prop then you might just have to try and convince him that your game style brings more to the team by being the most mobile player on the field.

As a hooker of your size you need to be playing like a 3rd flanker in an extreme fashion. A goal for you should be turn over ball - steel as mch ball from the break down area as you can, be a fetcher.

You'll need to show a larger quantity of tackles, first arrivals at the break down and be a link man: draw players and pass to team mates to put them in space. No need for you to bash it up every time.

Try to hook for tight head ball all the time and make your throw in's perfect.

If you focus on all the above you should get noticed but also you should just enjoy yourself more. Focus on your goals , having fun and your team. Be a leader via positive encouragement of team mates and example.

I hope that works for you.