Rugby Days

As I wrote earlier, Sam went to his first ever rugby practice on Sunday.  You may wonder why, in a country so footbal mad, he is playing rugby.  When we were on holiday in South Africa in April this year we had a week in Balito.  Because Sam was struck down with chickenpox 2 days before we were due to go there we realised that we would notbe able to do much but play on the beach, so we stocked up on games and boards and included with this lot was a rugby ball.  Steve and Sam played rugby on the beach and I noticed that he seemed much more capable with a rugby ball than with a football. 

 He has often had a go at football,  but he doesn't seem to have an affinity for it and gets frustrated very quickly.  When we got home I spoke to my friend, Karen, because I knew that her son played at a rugby club.  She told me all about it and soon I was online checking it out http://percyparkminis.co.uk/ .  Sam seemed interested and both Steve and I were keen on him getting involved in a team sport, and we also saw it as a great opportunity for Steve and Sam to have some quality dad and son time.  So although all through the summer Sam talked it up and was excited, when it came to the first session on sunday he got a serious attack of the nerves.  He was persuaded and cajoled (and even bribed!) andin the end he went.  Steve said that when they got there Sam was apprehensive and told the Reuben (the guy in charge) that he was only there to watch!! Which he did - apparently it took about 10 minutes before the sight of all these kids charging about convinced him that it was actually fun.  And by all accounts (his and his Dads!) he acquitted himself well, and was even last man standing in a game of british bulldogs!  I am just so stupidly pleased.  I can't help but think how pleased my dad would be.  My dad loved sport generally, rugby in particular and was passionate about his club Berea Rovers College Rovers as it is now http://www.kznrugby.co.za/historycrovers.html .
 
He gave Sam a Rovers rubgy shirt for his naming day present, and I know he would've been as proud of my boy as I am.