Rugby is one of the toughest sports in the world, not only challenging players physically, but mentally as well. Thailand is ranked 73rd worldwide, even though it is not exactly international, ISB still fields a team that trains day in and day out. It is a high-intensity sport that requires a huge amount of grit, determination, and perseverance, and through this teams require a strong bond to succeed. This episode I decided to interview two lifelong players, Jack, the rookie, and James, the veteran.
“Ever since I was young my dad had always had me around rugby whether it was watching games or just passing a ball around with him. When I turned around 4-5 years old … he made me start playing real rugby for the first time.” His whole life Jack has been surrounded by the game of rugby, which makes sense given he is from both New Zealand and Japan, global rugby powerhouses. For over a decade Jack has been playing ISB rugby, mainly performing at scrum half and fly half, positions many people call the “quarterback” of rugby. This is because they are the decision makers and leaders of the team. Jack shows his leadership not only through practice and games, but also through his connection with the team, “one thing that’s really stood out to me is how the team is so close together and the bond is so strong that it is like a brotherhood.”
Since Jack has been playing for around 12 years, he has competed in his fair share of games. “I would say if my game is after school I usually just eat a snack and listen to music but if it’s a game on the weekend I would get good sleep and usually eat weetbix in the morning, also listen to music.” Honestly the moments before the game isn’t really what matters, it’s what happens during the match that Jack will always remember. “Some memorable moments so far this season would be definitely the first game against Om Noi since it was my first ever varsity game. This game I was extremely nervous because Om Noi are a very solid team and being at home only added to the nervousness.” This isn’t the only time Jack felt nervous this season, ISB has just hosted spirit night where teams flew in internationally to compete. “ During spirit night I felt very nervous since it was my first spirit night and I was worried as to how I would perform.” Jack is also about to go to his first Iasas, so he’ll be training for the next couple months to make sure he performs his best in Taipei.
“The most memorable moment for me was winning IASAS last year. “ James has been playing rugby for around a decade, and he hopes to end his ISB career with back to back Iasas golds.
Much like Jack, James was influenced by his family at a young age to play rugby, and has competed ever since. “I started playing because my family love the sport and a lot of them have also played it in the past. Their love for the sport was passed onto me and that’s why I have continued to play for so many years.” James has just completed his final rugby spirit night, and throughout this season he said “I feel so happy to play and be a part of the team but I also feel somewhat sad as this is my last year to be on the team as I am graduating.” However, James doesn’t let this being his final season affect things on the field “It changes some small things such as my leadership role but it doesn’t change my attitude towards playing as I always try my best and leave everything on the pitch.” Since James is a flyhalf, being a leader is key, so over the years James has developed his leadership skills, which is something he says will carry over outside of rugby. He has also taken away his friendships and overall experience throughout high school.
Even with Thailand not being considered a powerhouse globally, ISB is still reigning champions of Iasas. This is built off ISB’s unity as a team, where every member supports and develops not only their rugby related skills, but skills that will be beneficial long after as well.
