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Inclusive attitude at Linwood College

30 Jul 2009

His name was Ashnil Kumar (year 13) and he asked if there had been any other Fijian/Indian boys that had played 1^st XV rugby before at Linwood College. I told him I wasn’t aware of any during my 5 years here but rugby didn’t start til the end of term. After this meeting each time he saw me he reminded me that he was going to play.

Well when it came time to have our first training, Ashnil was there as promised kitted out with new boots and all. Inexperience has not dampened his enthusiasm and so Ashnil has now realized his dream to play for Linwood College 1^st XV.

During that first training I was introduced to Sirwan Khalandi (year 12) who wanted to play rugby. Sirwan is of Iraqi decent but has lived in New Zealand since primary school age. Although he had never played before he wanted to give it a go and being a biggish, strong young man thought prop would be the position for him. I was initially hesitant because prop is a very demanding position and to play against other more experienced 1^st XV front rowers could have been dangerous. This year I had also had to seek dispensation for 2 ex-students to cover for a lack of prop forwards for our 1^st XV, we had lost 3 props from last year’s squad and gained only 1 junior as replacement.

Inexperience did not curb Sirwan’s enthusiasm and so after a couple of trainings our first game loomed against Rangoira High School. Unfortunately my plans to ease Sirwan into play had to change quickly as both my dispensated props were late in arriving and so I had to start Sirwan. After informing the referee of the situation, the game got underway but to my amazement and relief Sirwan did not appear to have too many problems and along with Ashnil certainly helped in gaining Linwood College a good win.

Since this both boys have continued to play important parts in the Linwood College 1^st XV and are a credit to themselves and their families for their attitude. Special thanks must also go to the other members of the 1^st XV for their welcoming of the 2 boys and helping them during games.   

Ross McAuley
Rugby Administrator Linwood College