Programme

The ESOL Rugby Programme focuses on the following areas:

Initiative

The Programme requires the boys to think for themselves and become leaders. It goes without saying that a top rugby player must be able to judge a range of situations and act appropriately.

Hard work

The SBC Rugby Programme is a physical challenge for the boys. They all work hard to gain muscle mass and lose fat during their stay. They will be regularly measured on the bench press; press-ups; chin-ups; the prone hold and the multi-stage fitness test, so the boys must be prepared to work hard on their physical conditioning.

Skills

The boys are expected to practise basic skills such as passing and kicking. Skills are measured on a regular basis.

Teams

Each boy plays for a team that matches his age and level. Team coaches are asked to give feedback on a regular basis to allow us to ensure that each player’s needs are met through appropriate skill coaching. ESOL Programme boys are normally spread through the 1st, 2nd, 3rd XVs, and U/16 grade.
Younger boys can play in U/15 or U/14 teams. The boys will participate in about 22 games of rugby including games against teams from Australia, Britain, Japan and South Africa.

Sociability

The boys develop into confident and polite young men. Living overseas in a dormitory and a home-stay takes them out of their “comfort zones” and helps boost confidence and sociability. Boys who were quiet on arrival develop a level of maturity that surprises their parents after their return to their home countries.

International

In the last five years, the Programme has had boys from Japan, Kenya, France, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Cameroon, Denmark, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Ethiopia. The College also has boys from other countries and ethnic backgrounds. Lasting friendships are made with boys from other countries.

Top rugby

There are at least four home games for the Crusaders during the ESOL Programme and normally one All Blacks match.

English

Basic English grammar is studied and assessed. Students purchase a text for use in class and for homework. They also study using rugby-related stories from newspapers and the internet. Basic conversation and useful expressions is covered. Students are expected to communicate with coaches and team members in English.