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 3rd & 4th 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 1st 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
