Carlton 7's, Sri Lanka

After 18 hours of travelling from Madrid to Colombo, Sri Lanka, we arrived to a VIP welcoming! Instead of going through customs we where ushered away to the VIP lounge where there where fruit platters laid out for us. 15mins later we jumped onto a transfer bus for an hours drive through the bustling city of Colombo with a police escort taking us to the 5 star Cinnamon Grand hotel.

Once out side the a/c air of the bus you realise how the different the climate is. A think, warm, syrupy version of air engulfs your lunges like the inside of a steam room. We had the problem of flying into time, it was 8am in the morning but really for us coming from Spain it was 3am, so we where knackered. We where sent to bed for 3 hours and then woken up for a training session. The rest of the day was a struggle to stay awake but after a good sleep that night our body clocks where back on track. 2 days later, Friday, I was rearing to go and ready for the tournament the next day.

In team meeting on Friday night the objectives where clear. We wanted to win our first 2 matches against Korea and Malaysia to book a place in the quarterfinals and then enjoy the game against Fiji, playing against a world class team.

It was an early start on Saturday as we where the first game. The tournament was played at the national sports arena with an athletics track around the field. As the day went on the stands started to fill and by lunch time there was a good atmosphere brewing. We started really well beating Malaysia and Korea without much trouble. Then came the game against Fiji, this same Fiji side was playing the IRB series in Dubai the following week, so we had nothing to loose. Being massive under dogs you could tell everyone was keen to have a crack at Fiji and prove that we know how to play 7's in Spain. We went down 0-12 but managed to pull back a try just before half time after 4mins of possession, making it 05-12. In the second half we had all the ball which frustrated the Fijians and with no time on the clock we scored to make it 10-12. We converted a pressure kick to write a bit of history for Spain, 12-12 draw against Fiji !!!! Suddenly we where the talk of the tournament… everyone loves an underdog!

So at the end of day 1 we had completed our objective and had also done really well against Fiji. Our coach left us with a challenge by pointing out that a good team can have one good performance against the big teams like Fiji but a great team performs consistently against all the big teams!

Day 2 our quarter final was against Australia, they brought there 2^nd team to Sri Lanka, and even though we did so well the day before we where still the underdogs. We lead from the front putting 21 points on the board; final score Spain 21 Aus 7. Next up in the semi was Samoa, also there 2^nd team, but they had looked good all weekend and where one of the favourites for the tournament. This was a much more closely contested game but we managed to soak up the pressure and win 19-17. Spain had made the final !!!! Complete underdogs but we had stood our ground and took the opportunity that came our way. Fiji played SA in the other semi. Being South African I was hoping SA would win so we could face them in the final, but it was not to be.

The stadium had filled up and there was a great atmosphere surging from the crowd. A brass band was playing with people singing, shouting, dancing and getting into the spirit of things for the final. Before kick off it was pouring down with rain, which never makes for a great game of 7's. The final was probably one game to many for us as Fiji where at the top of their game. They run away with it 38-7!

A disappointing final for us but a great tournament, putting Spain on the map and some pressure on the IRB to get us involved in more big tournaments. That night we had a post match function at the hotel where all the teams did a dance or haka, a good bit of fun to round off an awesome tournament!

Our flights where only on Tuesday night so we had some time to do some sight seeing around Sri Lanka. We went to a couple of the local markets and then rented 2 mini vans for the day which took us to see the elephants. We all had a ride on one and some of us had an elephant shower, the elephant sucked water up its trunk and then strayed it all over us ! Good fun! I had a chance to talk to a couple of the locals and even managed to join in on a street cricket game! The Sri Lankan people I came across where really friendly, had big smiles, loved there cricket and seemed to bob there heads side to side whenever they spoke. After a lot of laughter and joking around with the head bob we discovered that this head bob means "ok". Just like nodding or shaking your head means yes or no.

All in all a fantastic week away! Aside from us doing really well on the field it was great to see a new country and take in some culture!

Ryan le Roux - 2010/12/05

Half Way

After losing to Sab boi (from Barcelona), who where 3^rd from the bottom of the table, we bounced back with 2 wins against the 2 teams with whom we are challenging for top spot. After the first round of matches we are top of the table with a 6 point gap between us and Ordiza who are in second. The team spirits are up and we are confident but we know that anything can happen in this league if you are not at the top of your game week in and week out. All it takes is a lack of concentration, a few silly errors and before you know it the underdogs have scored first and have the momentum. Every team wants to prove a point and beat the team sitting 1^st, so every game becomes a pressure game! The fact that bottom 10^th can beat 1^st in any given match makes this league so interesting.

This week we play Bera Bera at home, we played them in the 1^st game of the season and won 30-26, only 3 tries so no bonus point. Last year they improved a lot in the second round so it will be interesting to see what they bring to this time. As long as we stick to our patterns, and stay disciplined so the Spanish ref's can't influence the game we will come out on top.

Ryan le Roux - 2010/11/18

A typical week at La Vila rugby club 01/10/2010

Monday

Monday starts off at 11:30am with recovery on the beach. We will have played a match the day before, so this session is just about getting us out of bed and moving again. We take a walk down to the end of the beach, do some static stretching in pairs (yes, a whole bunch of big rugby players stretching each other does look a bit funning…) and then get into the water to get the blood circulating in the muscles again. There is a local café/bar across the road, owned by an ex-player of the club, where we finish the morning drinking coffee and reminiscing about the game the day before. At 8:30pm that night we have a video analysis session of the weekend's game, which can last anywhere between 1-2 hours (depending on the result). The physio is at the club from 6:30pm - 8:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays so some of the boys go up early to have an injury checked out or just have a rub down.

Tuesday

Tuesday we at the club for 9:30am. In the morning, only the pro players have to be there. Some of the local lads work so can only make the evening sessions. We normally have about 15 guys in the morning. Backs and Forwards split, backs in the gym and forwards on the field doing skills and at 10:30am we swop over and do visa versa. Afterwards a group of us normally end up at a local coffee shop bantering away about anything and everything and definitely drinking to much coffee…but hey when in Spain… do what the locals do! That evening 8:30pm-10:00pm we have a full squad training involving about 26 players. The first hour is team play and some controlled contact. The last 30min is a hard fitness block.

Wednesday

It's a 9:30 start, backs and forwards split, while the backs are in the gym the forwards do lines and scrum work. We then swop over and the backs do their strike moves and forwards are in the gym. Afterwards we come together and finish off on the field doing some sort of team play or fitness games. The session ends at about 12, from here on training becomes a lot more toned down so that we are ready for the game on Sunday. The club is busy sorting out a few Spanish lessons for us once a week. These should start soon and will be after training at about 1pm. Some of the boys have taken well to trying to pick up a few Spanish words so this is often an interesting class - ending up with some crazy sentence being made up about one of the boys antics on the weekend. Wednesday night we have the night off which I try to spend doing anything but rugby ie Going out to eat or chilling at home with the wife and a couple of movies.

Thursday

Very similar to Tuesday, the only difference being that there is less focus on fitness but more on team shape and functionality.

Friday

Day off … No rugby! It's a day to sleep in late and chill out. Sometimes I do a little day trip to a small town or village nearby. In summer, there's definitely a bit of beach time thrown in for good measure.

Saturday

If we are playing at home this week we will have a captains run out at about 6pm and but otherwise try to stay off my feet and get in the liquids. If we are playing away we leave on the bus at 8am from the club. Normally the trips range between 8-14 hours…! Sounds terrible but its not that bad. There is normally some good chat on the bus between the boys, loads of cards and poker being played and every now and then a few classic pranks on the unfortunate sleepers! When we arrive we have a short captains run, a massive super and hit the sack for some quality sleep before the big game on Sunday.

Sunday

Kick off is at 12:00, regardless whether we are playing home or away. Afterwards both teams have a couple of beers in the home team's clubhouse while the post match formalities are done. Because it is such a long trip back home, the visiting team jumps straight back onto the bus and heads home. If it's been a home game for us we head down the hill into La Vila to a bar on the beachfront (the one owned by our old team mate). The vibe is always good, with lots of beer flowing, as there should be after any game of rugby! If the evening has gone well many of us end up in the Benidorm, a nearby party town, where the festivities continue.

Experience the county you’re in

Leaving your home country and playing in Europe as a pro rugby player is a move which many players are left to make. The top-dogs of International and Super 14 rugby are sought after by the likes of the French Top 14 and Italian Top 10 clubs, leaving the rest up us to battle it out for a contract somewhere else in Europe – countries like Spain, Portugal or the 3^rd & 4^th divisions in France and Italy.

Taking into account that most clubs in Europe have had to cut budgets and reduce the size of their squads over the past few years, one should feel privileged to be making a living out of rugby in the years hit by recession.

I have been lucky enough to get my hands on a contract in Spain. Over the last 3 years and I have been very happy at La Vila, but have seen my fair share of players coming and going. Some of who seemed to love the experience of a foreign league and country, while others left unhappy or frustrated and even counting down the days until their contract ends. For me, the key is to view your time in Europe not only as RUGBY. Of course, play and train like the pro you are expected to be, but also spend some time experiencing the country you're in. Learn a bit of the language, get involved in the local activities (a lot of fiestas in the case of Spain) and try as many new things as you can. Especially things you would not have a chance to do in your home county.

There are thousands of players around the world from countries such as South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and England, who all dream of playing pro rugby. Once they have gone as far as they can in their respective countries, they look to Europe. So if you land a contract in a developing rugby nation like Spain, Portugal or Russia train hard, lead the way on the field, play for your team shirt and remember to enjoy yourself away from the pitch too. You will have your ups and downs on the rugby field but don't let this affect how you spend your time enjoying the country and its people.

I had a good reminder of how lucky I am to have rugby as my job the other day.

I played a match over the weekend in which one of the local Spanish lads (17 years old) was playing his début match for our 1^st team. He had grown up over the past couple of years looking up to all the pro players, who where representing his hometown and wearing the 1st team jersey. I looked over at him in the huddle, while our captain was giving his final motivational team talk just seconds before we ran on, and tears where pouring down his cheeks. Tears of pride! That feeling is something we could all do to hold onto.

Ryan le Roux 06/09/2010

My first few weeks in Aubena

I arrived in Aubena 2 weeks ago not really knowing what to expect or what I was getting myself in to. However, I was very excited to be accepting a new challenge. It started well with meeting everyone from the club who have been very friendly towards me. The other players have been looking after me very well (the only little problem I have is that the English of the French people is not very good).

I am enjoying the training a lot, all though it is a lot of contact but it is helping me gain confidence in the tackle area. The coach is young and very enthusiastic which I like very much. He wants me to play no.10 this year so another challenge I am very excited about.

The first week I had a few problems with my paperwork so I was not going to play but then the coach spoke with the ref and I was allowed to play the second half (since it was only a trial). It went quite well. I didn't have much opportunity but what I did; I did well so the coach was happy.

A typical week looks like this; Mondays & Tuesdays, gym at 10am, kicking practise at 6:30pm and team training at 7pm. Wednesdays, gym at 10am and the rest of the day free which we normally spend at the river jumping off cliffs (while it is hot enough). Thursdays, stretching at 10am, kicking practise at 6:30pm and team training at 7pm. Fridays we have been playing friendly matches, but when the season starts we will be playing on Sundays.

We played against the same team on Friday to whom we lost 20-10 in the first week. This time we lost 38-33. I had a very good game with the boot hitting 7 from 7 in quite windy conditions, so I was very happy and so were the coach and president. After the game we went into training camp for the weekend which went really well.

All though it was called training camp, it was actually quite the opposite because I don't remember seeing a single rugby ball. Basically we drove for 3 hours through the mountains, arrived and went for a run (I have 2 very big blisters so I could not even put any shoes on so I had to stay and drink hot chocolate with 2 others who couldn't go). Then we went and played a little bit of French bowling outdoors which was followed by a very nice dinner and a typical rugby party with a disco ending at 5am the next morning. Without much sleep we had lunch with some sponsors and the board of the club followed by a 3 hours journey back to Aubena.

As you can tell, my first few weeks here have been a lot about team bonding and getting to know everyone. So, it has been a really nice start to my time in France and I hope it keeps up like this in the future.

Hugs & Kisses

Joe Gardener

Ryan le Roux and rugby in the Costa Blanca, Spain

Its that time of the year again… pre season! After a month of cruising around a very hot Mediterranean coast (a massive benefit which comes with playing pro rugby in Europe) it's back to the office. Or should I say training paddock.

I'm currently playing in the Spanish Top 10 at La Vila rugby club, and have been here for the last 2 years. Pre-season, August and Costa Blanca Coast all has one thing in common …. Heat. The temperature is HOT, getting up to 38 degrees, which makes training all that more interesting.

With preseason comes many changes, including new players, a new team environment and different team structures. The first few weeks are about getting to know each other, throwing around a bit of banter, but most definitely training like we have never trained before. With only 5 weeks to get prepared for our first league match its work, work, work.

We are 4 weeks in and finally my legs have started to stop aching and my muscles seem to understand the reality of hard work as opposed to sitting on the beaches of Sicily. Today is game day! We have a preseason friendly tonight against Alcobendes Madrid (they where promoted to the Spanish top 10 last season) and the excitement/anticipation is building. We have worked really hard on fitness this preseason, bringing in some new training ideas. The vibe between the boys is great and I think everyone is glad to see the end of heavy fitness and to start playing some rugby! It being a friendly there is space to try out our new moves and different combinations. Tonight we will find out where are strengths and weaknesses lie.

- Ryan le Roux

Joe Gardener signs for French club Aubenas

The former Agronomia star and Portuguese International will join French Federal 1 club Aubenas in August after rewriting the record books at his former club.

Joe said that he was looking forward to the new challenge and hopes to make as big an impact on French rugby as he did in Portugal.

Philip Kellerman

Date of Birth: 19/05/1979

Passport: South African

Years of Experience: 13

Accreditaton:
Level 1,2,3

Current Employer:

Available

COACHING HISTORY:

Cascais RC (Portugal), Head Coach & Technical Director; Agronomia RC (Portugal), Head Coach; Western Province Rugby Institute (South Africa), Technical Assistant; Stellenbosch University RFC (South Africa): Senior-, Junior-, 7's Club Coach, Administrator; Mighty Elephants Professional Team (South Africa), Technical Advisor, Academy Manager; Majuba Men's Residence (South Africa), Head Coach; Hombre Men's Residence (South Africa), Head Coach; Arlington Mavericks RC (Texas RU, USA), Guest Coach; Paul Roos (South Africa), School Boy Coach.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Cascais RC, Semi Finalist 2nd division; Majuba Residence, 'Sauer Champions' 1st time in 40 year history; Agronomia RC, Super Cup Final Winners; Stellenbosch University, WP U20B Division Champions, WP 7's Qualifying Competition Winners; Arlington Mavericks, Division 2 State Champions; Hombré Residence, 1^st XV Semi Finalist, 3^rd XV League and Cup Winners;

Clayton Stewart

Position(s): 9, 15, 14

Date of Birth: 22/03/1988

Height: 177cm

Weight: 82kg

Passport: South African

Current Employer: Stellenbosch University

PLAYING HISTORY:

South African Schools U18; Western Province Vodacom Cup, U21, U19, U18, U16; Stellenbosch University

Joe Gardener

Position(s): Full Back, Fly Half (Goal-, Line Kicker)

Date of Birth: 04/10/1985

Height: 193cm

Weight: 87kg

Passport: Australian, Portuguese

Current Employer: Aubenas (France)

PLAYING HISTORY

Portuguese National Team; Agronomia Rugby Club, Portugal (2007/2008; 2008/2009; 2009/2010); Tecnico Rugby Club, Portugal (2005/2006, 2006/2007); Brothers Rugby Club 1^st Grade & Colts, Brisbane Australia (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006);

ACIEVEMENTS

Highest points + try scorer in 75 year history of Agronomia (2009/2010); Highest points scorer + Try scorer, Portuguese Championship (2008/2009); Portuguese Cup Winners (2010/2009, 2008/2009); Iberian Cup Winner (2007/2008); Portuguese Super Cup Winners (2007/2008); Player of the year, Portuguese Championship, Awarded by the Portuguese Federation (2008/2009); Player of the club, Agronomia Rugby Club (2008/2009); Player of the Club, Agronomia Rugby Club (2007/2008); Highest points scorer, Portuguese Championship (2006/2007, 2005/2006); Highest points scorer in Brothers Rugby Club (2004).

Ryan le Roux

Position(s): 13, 14, 11, 15

Date of Birth: 1985/01/13

Height: 183cm

Weight: 88kg

Speed (40m): 4,70sec

Passport: South African

Current Employer: La Vila (Spain)

Relationship status: Married to Jessica (Irish passport)

RUGBY HISTORY

La Vila Rugby Club , Top 10 Spanish Premiership; The Mariners, Super Iberian League Spain; Eastern Province Currie Cup, Vodacom Cup, 7's, U21, U18 Craven Week; SA U21 Camp of 36; Stellenbosch University U20s; Nelson Mandela University; Tunbridge Wells RFC

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Top try scorer in Spanish Top 10 (2009/2010); Super Iberian League Top Try scorer (2009); Spanish Premiership Top 10 foreign player of the year (2008/2009); Top try scorer in Spanish Top 10 (2008/2009); Top try scorer at Kent County 7's Tournament (2008); Fastest 40m sprint time at South African u21 testing (2006); Full Rugby University colours (2006-2007); Player of the tournament, Stellenbosch University 1^st year's tournament (2004)

EXTRAS:

Bachelors Degree in Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University; Conditioning coach, La Vila Rugby (2009); Advanced Personal Trainer, Virgin Active Health Club UK (2008)

Conrad Stickling

Position: 4,8,6

Date of Birth: 1979/01/17

Height: 196cm

Weight: 114kg

Passport: South African, Portuguese

Current Employer: Available

RUGBY HISTORY:

Portugal National Team; G.D.S. Cascais Rugby Club (Portugal) (Player-Coach); Agronomia Rugby Club (Portugal) (Player, Coach&Captain); University of Johannesburg 1^st XV (Captain); Lions Provincial Amateur; Mirano Rugby Club (Italy); Stellenbosch University 1^st XV; Western Province U21; Western Transvaal U19 Academy