Matt Cockbain and Nathan Grey, who starred for the Wallabies in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, including being members of the 1999 World Champion Wallabies Squad, are better known these days as Assistant Coaches of the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise. So as part of their visit to Jakarta last weekend for the “2012 Indonesian Rugby Charity Lunch” they also volunteered to host a Rugby Training Clinic for a group of Indonesian and expatriate children and youths.

At least 100 children and youths (including at least 10 girls) gathered at the Jakarta International School (JIS) for this clinic. It was a fantastic honour for the children to be coached by the likes of Matt and Nathan as opportunities such as this are few and far between in Jakarta. There was also several parents who also benefited from watching and learning from the guest coaches.

The children ranged in age from 4-5 years up to those in their late teens, and varied from those who had limited skills through to those who have several years of experience. It was great to see the way all of the children and youths listened to the advice given by Matt and Nathan and actively involved themselves in the activities they were instructed on. Thanks also goes to the various parents who helped out with these sessions as well.

Matt and Nathan commented that they very impressed by all of the children and youth’s willingness to get involved in the clinic despite the variance in skills plus the oppressive heat.

Indonesian Rugby is very grateful to Matt and Nathan for their assistance in hosting this training clinic, plus also Justin for his help as well. Thanks also goes to David and Alan Nye from Britmindo for helping in the initial organisation of this clinic, plus Tony Dickinson and all the staff from JIS, for allowing this clinic to be hosted at the school. JIS should also be thanked for inviting along several of their students, plus also Jamie Johnston, National Rugby Development Manager for inviting along a group of students from the British International School. Thanks also goes to Kyle Larson and Chris Rowe from the Jakarta Komodos Junior Rugby Program for their help in organising children to attend, as well as Robert Baldwin and Robert McKinnon for bringing along several Indonesian youths.

Thanks also goes to Aqua who sponsored the water and Mizone provided to all those in attendance plus International SOS who were on standby for any potential injuries.

There is plenty more Rugby training organised by the Jakarta Komodos Junior Rugby Program and Indonesian Rugby coming up in the near future, so keep posted to this website and the Jakarta Komodos website for more information.

For reference to a similar article posted on the Melbourne Rebels website, please click on:
http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/7733/Default.aspx