Is rugby a thinking mans game?
AP: Absolutely. I say to my guys ‘Rugby is a game for thinkers.’ If you can out think the opposition, you can win. RYG: Do you feel that there’s a lot of pressure on you, being responsible for the Army rugby team’s fortunes on the pitch? AP: It’s a very humbling experience for the coaches as well as the players. I’ve been on operations in the Balkans when patrolling has stopped for the day so the lads can watch the annual Army/Navy rugby match. I’m now very lucky to be part of the sharp end. It’s humbling to know that soldiers and sailors around the globe are watching. Last year we had a 14 point win over the Navy. Within six weeks nine of our players were on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We’re missing four players who would be in this squad, but are still deployed on operations. A number of guys who were in the room today have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s an honour to be part of it and we want to get it right for the people that it means the most to – those
