Talking with Matt Smith from RUPA

Part of the personnel supporting the Reds Players is RUPA member Matt Smith who we were lucky enough to meet. So I got some questions together to learn about how RUPA works.

1. What are some of the major roles that RUPA undertakes?
To collectively develop and promote the best possible professional standards and conditions for its members, and the growth of rugby.
- to provide its members with an association dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Rugby Union.
- to promote and protect the interests of all members and to safeguard their rights at all times. 
to strive for the improvement of economic and other conditions generally and to regulate and correct abuses relative thereto;
-to secure and maintain freedom from unjust and unlawful rules and regulations affecting each members career in Rugby Union;

-to assist member in securing employment;
-to assist Members in undertaking education and development opportunities;
-to obtain benefits for all members;
-to provide a medium through which the Members may express their views on issues concerning their well-being;
-to provide legal advice and legal assistance in defence of Member's rights where deemed necessary;
- to elect from time to time Members as directors on the Boards of Directors of the ARU, ACTRU, NSWRU, RU and WARU Board.

   
2. What is the importance of having current players as part of the RUPA Board?

These are the ones that are living and breathing rugby everyday so it makes sense that these are the ones that are making decisions on what is right for the players and ultimately what is right for the game. You look at someone like our President Dean Mumm, he has played over 100 Super Rugby games, has played Overseas and is a current Wallaby. To have someone like Dean on the RUPA Board with so much experience and knowledge can only be a positive for the players and the game.

3. Does female Rugby receive help, education, employment and legality wise, that male Rugby does?
Like all female sports they are not remunerated currently like their male counterparts, RUPA are working hard on behalf of the players, for them to be remunerated fairly. Female players in Cricket and Netball have seen significant pay-rises of late from revenue derived from Broadcasting deals.

Our Female 7's players have access to a full-time Player Development Manager who is based at the Narrabeen Training facility. The PDM helps these players with Education and Vocation advice and Welfare support, as members of RUPA players also have access to the Training and Education fund. Players are eligible to claim $5000 per year towards their study and Professional Development.

4.Do all players get chances in education? Is it a requirement?
All players that are contracted to a Super Rugby team or part of the sevens program are eligible for the training and education fund as mentioned above. Players are able to claim $5000 per year and is capped at $25,00 over a players career. I.e. a player who has played for three years is able to claim $15000. Education is not a requirement but players understand the importance of having something outside of Rugby.

5. What are the RUPA awards about and how are the winners chosen/ Do the awards focus solely on the Australian Super Rugby Teams?
The annual Volvo-RUPA Awards Lunch is one of the most eagerly anticipated on the Rugby calendar. It celebrates the achievements of RUPA's members at every level, from Buildcorp NRC to Super Rugby to Australian Rugby Sevens to the Wallabies, as well as away from Rugby in the community and in study pursuits.

The RUPA Board and all of its people are incredible in how it helps not only the reds but all of the Australian teams. So thank you for answering my questions Matt. Hopefully we will catch up again soon.

Rugby Rules #4: The Points System

Understanding the point system can make watching the game much more enjoyable. It does differ to Rugby League, I think this makes it interesting.

In Rugby Union, a try is 5 points, a conversion through the goal posts is 2 points, and a penalty is 3 points. Drop-kicks (during play) are also 3 points. This does create more of an emphasis on drop goals, compared to Rugby League.

(For those unaware, Rugby League awards 4 points for a try, and 2 for conversions and penalties. 1 point is given for drop kicks mid-play.)

An Interview with Karmichael Hunt

As the Reds were travelling last week, the most recent interview I have done was on online with Karmichael Hunt. But I have managed to catch a photo with him after training.


Hi K,

Thank you for answering a few questions for me. I know that you must be thinking about the oncoming game.

But to begin, What was it that persuaded you back to Rugby Union?
I had never played Super Rugby before so when the Reds presented we with the opportunity to come on board I jumped at the chance. I played Rugby at Churchie (Anglican Church Grammar School) and again for Biarritz in France so I knew how fun the game was but as I said, I had never experienced it at the top level down under.

What is your club team?  
The mighty Norths Eagles!                                                                                                       

   

You play Outside back, what does that position involve?
Defensively you generally are trying to cover the man of the opposition on set piece. During phase you are looking to diffuse any kicking options the attack might throw at you while also lending a hand in the defensive line if need be. When a line break is made you are generally the last line of defence, so you gotta do your best to stop the opposition from scoring. In attack, you are looking to create play, back up, work the short side, kick, or create an extra man working into good positions.

Is it as hard as everyone has been claiming to adjust back after AFL and NRL?
Its been hard for me. My body took an absolute hammering during my adjustment to AFL footy. I was not design to play AFL but I did everything I could to try and succeed which ultimately meant losing a lot of my natural attributes e.g. muscle mass, speed and explosiveness. So the last few years has involved a slow rebuild into a rugby athlete again.

What has been the biggest highlight in your sporting career so far, not just Rugby?
Becoming a father to my three daughters and getting married to my best friend.

Can you tell us something about you that not many people may know?
Well, I just started my 2nd year of Uni at USQ. I'm doing a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Psychology and minoring in in Physics. I own a Dobsonian telescope and enjoy stargazing. I also love smoking food on my Kamado Joe! I'm BBQ'n something (i.e. brisket, ribs, pulled pork, fish) every weekend at least

Can you give some advice to aspiring players, both boys and girls?
Try your hand at a variety of sports and exercises, even if you don't feel comfortable doing it at first. There is usually a lot of physical skills and mental experiences that you can gain from the differing activities, all of which will make you better at whichever task you choose to focus on most.

Thank you very much Karmichael for answering those questions for the blog.

Rugby Rule of the Week #3 - The Scrum

When a minor infringement or stoppage occurs, a scrum is one of the ways that play can resume. Scrums have a habit of breaking up the play, making things more "interesting". More than half of the team is used in the scrum, including the scrum-half (#9), who feeds the ball in, and usually out.

Have a look at this handy diagram to see how it all works:



[Source: http://www.rugbyhow.com/rugby-positions.html]

The scrum-half puts the ball in, the teams push against each other... and basically... when the ball pops out, the game carries on.

Watch, for example, Argentina demolish the All Blacks scrum here:

An Interview with Duncan Paui'aua.

Earlier this week I had a chat with Duncan Paui'aua. He had a hand in creating the match winning try, over the weekend!

Thanks Duncan, for giving me a bit of your time!

That’s ok. Pleasure.

How was it, becoming a professional sportsman almost straight out of school?

Ah. It’s a great feeling, you grow up trying to do it, that’s always been my dream tryin’ to become a professional rugby player. So to get that straight out of school that was a pretty big accomplishment.

What is your club?

I play for North Eagles.

You can play around the field, what does your preferred position involve?

I play multiple positions, I can play 10, 12 and 15. I think I feel most comfortable when I am playing at 12, which is inside centre. It allows me to use my ball playing skills and also gives me a chance to run the ball as well.

What is the hardest part about maintaining fitness over the Super Rugby Season?

Ah. Probably for me, eating, eating well. I guess in pre-season the load is very big you can tend to eat what you want but when the load goes down during the season, you tend to put on a bit of weight. Back down what you are eating.

What is the biggest highlight in your sporting career so far?

The biggest highlight. Ah… 
Probably just what happened on the weekend. Just the line break I made and setting up the match winning try. Hopefully one of many more highlights of my career.

Can you tell us something about you that no one else may know?

I am one of 11, and my three younger sisters are triplets. I think nobody knows that.

What is some advice you could give to aspiring players, both boys and girls?

Ah. I guess in any aspect in life, I think whether it be sport or anything else, if you put your mind to it and you really want something, I guess you just go and get it.

Thanks Duncan for your time.

Thanks mate.

Rugby Rule for the Week #2

This weeks rule is for all you Americans, or for the AFL supporters that want to get in on the greatest game in the world.

The Knock On....

Rugby Union (along with League) is unique from other footy codes in that you have to run forward to gain ground towards the end line. Passes can only be made backwards. "Forward passes" are not allowed. If the ball touches a players arm or hand and it goes forward, the referee calls "knock-on", and the other team gets possession for a "scrum". What's a scrum I hear you say? See you next week.

Womens Rugby Rules / Rugby Rules Part #1

It is true that my cousin Grace Hamilton plays rugby in New South Wales. It was exciting watching her play for the Womens Warratah's at the Global Tens competition in Brisbane the other week. So I'm making a very special exception and interviewing her and her friend Emily Chancellor for this weeks interview. They're both lovely people, and great ambassadors for the game. A big thank you to them for their time.

The focus on female rugby has really only just picked up. What was it that brought you to the game?

Grace Hamilton: I actually started playing rugby in America because they didn’t have any netball. It was a good way to make American friends and growing up around it, it made sense. 

Emily Chancellor: I always watched it and really liked it so I thought - why not have a crack!

What are your favourite teams to watch?

Grace: My favourite teams to watch are the Waratah’s and the Wallabies and the Aussie Sevens girls.

Emily: The team I support is the Waratahs but I do have a soft spot for the Brumbies as well. I play for Sydney University.

Grace, we know that you play back row, and Emily, you play flanker. What do these positions involve?

Grace: I play back row now but I started in the centers in America and the ACT. It’s a fun position. You are involved in a lot of contests and are one of the main support players on the field. But I would play anywhere.

Emily: I play as a loose forward (same as Gracie) so we have to do a lot of running and be there to carry the ball and protect the ball when a team mate runs the ball.

How was it playing in Suncorp Stadium during the Global 10s and having your team being truly recognised?

Grace: Playing at Suncorp stadium was not only good for us players but I think it was a really good step for women’s rugby. There were a lot of players that should of and would have loved to be there and for us to be given that opportunity was really special. We were treated the same as the men’s teams and although we were all star-struck for the majority of the time it was great!

Emily: Playing at Suncorp was one of the most exciting experiences of my rugby career so far! It was amazing to play in front of such a big and loud crowd.

What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Grace: My biggest highlight so far would be being given the opportunity to represent Australia before the Bledisloe in New Zealand last year.

Another highlight would have to be touring with our Sydney team. We have such a tight knit group of girls and we always bring out the best in each other.

Emily: Playing at Suncorp and winning the club championships last year.

Can you tell us something about yourself that no one may know?

Grace: Something that no one would know.. I have no idea. I’m pretty much and open book. Ahh…  I like painting and sewing? Haha

Emily: I own two surfboards and used to surf all the time as a kid.

What is some advice for an aspiring player, both girls and boys?

Grace: I think the best advice I could give to any girls or boys wanting to play rugby, or any sport, is get involved and don’t be afraid of failure. The friendships you will make are lifelong, so at any level, just enjoy it!

If people tell you you can’t do it, keep the fire in your belly and believe in yourself. Do the best you can.

Emily: Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because of your size - and hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

Awesome. That's great advice! Thanks again for your time.

***

With the start of the Super Rugby kick-off happening this week, I'll be kicking off our Rugby Rules series! That's right, it is a play on words. I'll aim talk about one rule each week during the season, as well as do the interviews.

Rule for the week:

A team kicks off with a drop kick which is taken from the half way mark (or behind it).

If the kick is not done right, the other team gets to either: a) have the ball kicked again, or feed a scrum from half way.

The drop kick has to go for 10 meters. If it doesn't go 10 meters, the other team can either play on, or opt to restart as above.

To find out more about the rules of the game, check out www.laws.worldrugby.org

Source: kick-off rules)

For those uninitiated, that will help you understand the game a little bit more when you watch the Reds play the Sharks tonight!

An Interview with Michael Gunn and Adam Korczyk

Today, right after training, I was fortunate enough to get to get to sit down with Michael Gunn and Adam Korczyk from the Queensland Reds. Both young, both talented players with big futures ahead, and both lovely guys to talk.

Hi guys, thank you for doing this interview.

Adam Korczyk: Thanks for having us.

You both left school in 2012, did you ever play against each other?

Adam Korczyk: Yeah, we both played club rugby when we were young, I played at Taylor Bridge, junior rugby club, Gunny played at the East Tigers junior rugby club, so we’ve probably been playing each other since 2008, and then, playing first 15, I went to Brisbane State High School and then Gunny went to Churchy [Anglican Church Grammar School]. I played Gunny during my school days.

Michael Gunn: I remember there was one big game, Churchy versus State High in 2011, that was probably my favourite game against kiwi [Adam].

Adam Korczyk: Yeah we lost that game. (Both laugh)

Where were you guys from originally?

AK: I was born in New Zealand, and I lived there - in Auckland - for twelve years. And then I moved over to Brisbane in 2007. So I did my one year of grade seven, then high school over here.

MG: I was born in Brissy, and moved around a little bit, and then came back, my old man was working for mining companies, and ended up coming back here in 2003, and we’ve been here ever since.

What are your Premier teams?

AK: I play for the University of Queensland.

MG: And I play for the East Tigers.

AK: But I’m not sure if I’ve ever versed Gunny… I think I’ve versed Gunny once in Premier grade.

Gunny: Yeah I can’t remember.

AK: Gunny was playing premier grade before me, cos he was a bit of a school prodigy.

Is it hard to be some of the younger members of the team?

AK: Yeah I guess we’re less experienced at professional rugby, but I guess me and Gunny have been here 3-4 years, in the Reds training base. It’s not that new to us anymore. Sometimes, I know, the older guys give you a bit of stick and stuff, but I think we’ve sort of earned our place.

Gunny: Yeah I agree, yeah you definitely know that you’re younger, you’ve just kind of got to fit in and know your place.

What’s the biggest highlight of your careers so far?

AK: For me, probably… I’d say the first time I put on the red jersey was pretty good for me, but I’d say the second time I put it on… The first time I played just 10 minutes, over in South Africa, and then the second time, I thought I’d maybe get on 10 minutes at the end of the game, but there was an injury to our flanker at the time, in the third minute, so I ended up playing the whole game, somehow survived, we won against the Cheetahs, over in Bloemfontein, and then scored a try in the second half as well, so that was probably the biggest highlight so far for me. 

Gunny: It would probably be my debut for the Reds against the Lions in early 2015, and the other one would be beating New Zealand at school boys in 2012. And then another one would be winning the Prem-grade final in 2015, winning the Hospital Cup, that was pretty exciting.

Can you tell us something that most people might not know about you?

AK: I’ll say… obviously people see my last name and think that’s not Australian. My family are originally from Poland, so that’s where my last name comes from. Although, I was born in New Zealand, so since I came over, I got the nick-name kiwi, and that sort of stuck through my school years, and even now with the Reds. So, it’s a bit of a multi-cultural/multi-country identity going on here…

Gunny: Two things, people might not know about me, I study engineering at UA, it’s something on the side, hopefully I can go into something with that when I finish my [rugby] career. Something else… I’ve got two 11 year old twin sisters, and they’re identical, genetically identical anyway. They’re probably two of my best friends.

What is some advice you would give aspiring players, both boys and girls?

Kiwi: I’d say, from my experience, when your younger, enjoy your rugby. Some people try and become too serious too early. When your young, you gotta just have fun. And obviously, when you get older and if you want to take it seriously, that’s when you start preparing. Obviously, boys have had it for a long time now, with Sevens now and the Aussie womens team winning the Olympic gold medal, I think that’s a big path-way for girls. Rugby’s not so “boy centric” now. They’ve been trying to bring women into the game, but with the Sevens, and the success there, I think that’s a good opportunity for girls to just take up rugby, and get involved.

Gunny: My two points would be work hard and take the opportunities. When you get an opportunity, make sure you take it with both hands because you don’t know if it’s gonna come again.

Thanks Adam and Michael for giving us your time.