Cai Griffiths and Hanno Dirksen spent an evening with children from TATA Steel RFC in Margam recently, where they passed on tips and advice to young rugby players involved with the club.
The pair worked with each of the Mini teams run by the club, helping them develop their passing and offloading skills. Cai then led a session with the U11’s, talking through and demonstrating the importance of good technique during the scrum, while Hanno managed a fun based decision-making game aimed at helping players to make the right choices under pressure.
Craig Williams from TATA Steel RFC (formerly Corus RFC), said that the evening was a big success, commenting:
“The kids really look forward to training when they know that some Ospreys players are attending. It's always nice to see the Ospreys players back in the community and helping to develop the next generation of community players. Everyone within the Mini section at Tata Steel is really thankful for the Ospreys continued support.”
Andrew Thomas, WRU/Ospreys Player Development Officer for the Afan Nedd District, added:
“Club development evenings like this always prove popular with young rugby players, who are inspired by working with their Ospreys heroes who they watch from the stands at the Liberty Stadium.
“Cai and Hanno both worked hard throughout the event, passing on their knowledge to children who have a desire to learn. The positive effects that events like this have, when people can Ospreys players going into the local community and really helping to make a difference is immeasurable and will stand rugby in the region as a whole in good stead for the future.”
Cai Griffiths added:
“It was a great evening, lots of fun and very enjoyable for everybody. I always look forward to being able to work with young children who love rugby and love the Ospreys, and hopefully, it helps with their development as players in just a small way.
“The coaches at clubs like TATA, who work so hard and give up their spare time, deserve all the help and credit they get, and if we can work with them as Ospreys to help the club grow then brilliant.”