Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Independent Schools as an alternative to Grammar

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Freya
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Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Freya »

Does anyone know much about the Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians?

DS has been invited to Blundell's School, Tiverton for trials for his age group (U13) to represent the South West & Wales. Does anyone know what the standard is like and is it worthwhile? Would DS be developed by being part of this given that he is already part of the WRU pathway (district level)?

We're already concerned about the amount of rugby DS plays and the potential strains on his growing body. DS wants to advance as far as he can though so feels he ought to give it a go. If he did I think we would pull him out of the District set up to make the amount of rugby manageable for him. So which route is better / offers more opportunities?

Posted this just on the off chance - realise it's quite a specialist subject
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Waiting_For_Godot
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Waiting_For_Godot »

I don't know a lot about this but I know a boy who was picked for this and he ended up playing against countries around the world. He definitely played against Argentina and France. If DS doesn't get to do this with his current club it may be good experience for him and he may get "noticed" by clubs other than in Wales.
doodles
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by doodles »

Hi Freya

I do happen to know a teacher who used to be involved (I think) - when half term is over I will try and find out some more for you. If it is U13 is it the prep-school Barbas?

Have a nice time on tour.
Waiting_For_Godot
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Waiting_For_Godot »

I meant to add, from my limited knowledge, that most independent schools have one or two boys who (if not more) who are phenomenal at Rugby and already play for their county. It may be that he will gain a lot from this if he is training with boys who may even be better than him. Hard to believe their are many better than your DS Freya! 8)
Freya
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Freya »

Doodles - Thanks would appreciate any info. Yes it's the prep school barbas at U13 but it continues up the age groups apparently so next year wouldn't be prep.

WFG - Am knitting your pom poms now! It's so hard to know which route is best. Boys who have represented here at division and then region when they are old enough do go on to represent Wales at U16, U18 and U21 if they are good enough as well as usually signing to a regional academy. DS is currently on this pathway and doing well but needs to grow now (still 5"2'). Maybe you're right that he would get more exposure via the Indie Barbas, I don't know!

Thanks all - Any advice welcome!
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Rob Clark
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Rob Clark »

Freya, glad to hear DS’s rugby is still going well.

If it’s anything like the grown-up version, I would imagine the advantages of playing for the Barbars will be a) foreign travel, b) the chance to mix with a wider range of boys and c) a lot of fun, while the disadvantages will be a) more (too much?) rugby, b) it’s probably a bit ad hoc and disorganised compared to the more ‘professional’ WRU pathway and c) may mean a lot more travel to and from training sessions.

I don’t mean to sound flippant, but have you tried simply asking the powers that be? ie someone involved with the WRU pathway that you know well enough to get a straight answer from as to whether this would benefit DS’s rugby development.

I’ll ask the guy I know who plays for England U16s and see if he has anything to add.
suncrest
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by suncrest »

Hi Freya,

Just quickly as I have to go out ... just spoke to my Dad about this and he said playing for Barbarians is the way to go and wouldn't negate his path in WRU....PM me if you want the contact number for someone he knows at CRAWSHAYS for some good advice if you haven't already received it from the school.
Freya
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Freya »

Rob and Suncrest - thanks so much for your input! Will be speaking to WRU pathway contacts after this weekend as we're off to Italy in the morning. I'm clear that it's possible for him do both but is both too much? Would be very interested to hear the U16 lad's opinion Rob, thanks. Maybe he would be better off waiting until he's a bit older before embarking on such commitments? As things stand he has only one day a week where there's no rugby. :-(

Suncrest - I may PM you for that number next week, thanks!

Love you guys!
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pheasantchick
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by pheasantchick »

Will Freya Jr be following the footsteps of other great rugby stars - Auistin Healy, Gavin Hensen etc, - and be appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in years to come...! :lol:
Freya
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Re: Independent Schools Rugby Barbarians

Post by Freya »

As long as he doesn't turn orange I don't care! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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