playing center

Question
QUESTION: Hi im a 187cm 12stone second row but because of m speed and ball carrying
ability in the last 3 games i have played there and scored 3 trys but i dont think
when playing at a higher i would have scored these trys so but please can you
tell me the important points to know and be able to do for a center as i want to
be a pro and also could you tell me how to improve kicking

ANSWER: That is the million dollar question my friend. You are a physically big guy. If you are fast and skilled who knows you could do well at a higher level.

Let's just say you only do 33% as well. That will still be 1 try. A try per game is a very good effort at any level.

Work on the other factors of your play: kicking, strategy, supporting other players, especially off-loading. A center must be very good at drawing the opposition and off-loading well to a flanker or other back.

Look at the great centers they either score a try or two during a game or score nothing and their flanker or inside /outside center scores. Sometimes the full back comes into the line to take the off loaded ball.

You will never know until you try and it is easier to go from Center to lock than the other way around.

Finally: which do you enjoy the most? Try scoring ability aside you must enjoy the part you play. I liked prop. You do not get a lot of chances to score trys at prop but I enjoyed the position, the contribution. Looking up from a scrum to see my winger / team mate scoring in the far corner was as rewarding as scoring myself.

With regard to kicking I go back to my previous comment: I am a prop. It is like asking a pig to do math, it just doesn't compute.

I suggest going on-line to Amazon for some DVD's or books on the matter. Also if there is a really good consistent kicker or coach in your area hit them up for help. In person they will be more helpful to you than any e-mail I can write.

Good luck and have fun.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for that answer that is helpful and also do you know anything about how
to go pro i live in manchester england by the way

ANSWER: I can't speak from personal experience but I know a few guys. The big thing is to get seen. Have a word with your coach, start talking to the right people about the fact that you want to go pro. Ask if your coach or your clubs player development officer can keep an eye on you and make some calls to scouts on your behalf.

Put together a resume / CV for your rugby. Teams, championships, points scored, MVP awards etc. Your stats: speed, physical measurements a photo, some game footage on a DVD or a link to an online access like You Tube. You have to sell yourself very well.

Make your CV as professional as you would go for an executive job in the city. Get a professional person to help you with it, also look on-line for examples. Professional is just that: professional. Get a jacket and a tie for any meetings with Club managers etc. Better to look too professional than not.

Send letters, call people, choose a pro team you really want to play for and directly approach them. You could think about using a professional sports manager but really research that, make sure you can trust the person: a trusted family friend or a pro that someone you know well has recommended. Get a contract and have an independent lawyer look at it for you.

Train hard, play hard, be a team guy, be positive, never give up.

Keep pushing and asking for feed back from coaches, get a lot of game tape of yourself.

See if you can network your family, friends etc to have a sit down with a professional player, a veteran. You would be surprised how easy that is. Ask a lot of questions ask for the good and the bad.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thnks but how could i get a hold of a ex pro rugby player?

Answer
Hi Remi,

I would first try this:

Write a letter, make it clear and correct (spelling etc) I do not know how old you are but either way get someone who is good at letters / writing to check it for you.

The letter can be "open" like "To whom it may concern" or better yet if you have the time put names in. Send the letter to literally EVERYONE you know.

The letter should ask for an introduction to a real pro rugby play for a meeting to discuss his advice for going pro as you are a young player who wants to educate himself as to the requirements, pros and cons of going pro. Ask that if the person who receives the letter doesn't know someone directly that they pass it on to at least three people who just might know a pro.

Follow up with polite but direct phone calls and e-mail.

even a letter to 40 people could yield big results.


Also go to a local club and formally ask for a player development manager and ask for a meeting. Make sure to sit with either a veteran player or one that is no more than 5 years retired from active playing.

Brain storm a little with friends and family.

Do not ask for an autograph. Be polite and mature. This is not the time to be shy or afraid. Be direct and go to the meeting with a list of written questions and actually write notes as questions get asked.

Look the person in the eye and ask the hard questions, every question you can to find all the good and the bad (yes there is bad) of being pro and what you need to be prepared for and what plans you need to make for both pro rugby and after pro rugby.

When the meeting is all done and you have thanked the player ask politely if they might suggest one or two more people they think you should talk to. When you get home write neatly and thoughtfully a thank you letter.

These tips are useful for meeting any person or getting a job. Keep them in mind.

Go to the meeting in your "Sunday Best" not your old jeans and a t-shirt. Borrow a jacket, collard shirt and tie that fits if you need to.

Ask me more questions if you need to. Thanks very much