Rugby lacks development pathways

A FORMER Pukpuk says PNG rugby union lacks a development pathway.
Robin Tarere said Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union requires a structured programme which links the range of rugby providers to give a seamless transition from first touches of the rugby ball to senior rugby.
“There needs to be a shift away from the “win by Saturday” culture which dominates our sport through all levels of the game to  a player-centered development approach which puts the players needs first rather than those of the coach, manager, administrator, parent or supporter,” Tarere said.
The Supporters Club Rugby Union Morobe (SCRUM) development officer told The National that PNGRFU needed to understand that proof of development is evidenced by player’s performances in matches.
And not by results which means doing the right thing at the right time, in the right way to give young players the chance of developing their potential to the fullest.
He said the mother body needs to document a structured development pathway that will provide players with most favorable opportunity for competitive rugby at all levels of the game for years to come.
“A player development plan would ensure that players and coaches are equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to help maximise player’s potential at the appropriate stages of their development, through appropriately structured programs guided by the national body (PNGRFU).”
Tarere said the programme must match developmental stages in a young person’s life with training methods that will maximise the effects of his/her training.
And at the younger age groups players would be encourage to develop good movement patterns through participating in a variety of sports not just rugby.
“A properly structured player programme must benefit from increased quality and quantity of players moving from child and youth programmes into adult rugby,” he said.
“These players will all be better prepared to play at the higher level as we know they are capable of.
“And investing in a programme of this nature will enhance a long term progress, quality, stability and continuity of rugby in PNG,” Tarere said.