Well the RAFRU IDRC squad left RAAF Richmond in pooring rain as we all thought 'a sign of things to come' with our return flight back to the UK via Kuala Lumpa due to depart some 5 hrs later. Everyone seems in good spirits on the initial 8hr flight from Sydney and as we sit in Kuala Lumpa airport we now contenplate the 6+ hrs wait for our additional 12+ hr flight back to Heathrow and our wonderful British weather.
This is highly likley to be the very last post on this blog however if you require any further information or photos please do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to help where possible at the following address which will remain active until the 1st Dec 11.
Eric Hartley
rafru-idrc@hotmail.co.uk
Up to date news of the Royal Air Force Rugby Union (RAFRU) squad whilst participating in the first International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) in Australia & New Zealand.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Saturday 15th - Friday 20th Oct
Well, the competition is well and truly over now for the RAFRU IDRC squad as on the Saturday we moved from our adopted home of RAAF Glenbrook in the blue mountains to the relative hustle and bustle of RAAF Richmond some 25km north. All that is left to say on this chapter is a very big thank you to all the personnel at RAAF Glenbrook for the tremendous support throughout our time there; it is very very much appreciated.
Sunday saw the head coach Tug return to RAF Brize Norton and to his key role as FS movements which required him to return to base as soon as possible. It also saw our team Doctor Wg Cdr Clive Monkley decide that he was best employed at the beck and call of one Reggie Reid who was recovering in St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney, unfortunately for the Doc as it was the weekend we were unable to secure any military accommodation for him.......so being the fine officer he is he volunteered himself to stay in a local hotel!
During the week the squad has continued to train and make best use of the time together to provide a strong foundation that will take it forward in both the U23 and senior XV Interservice Competition. It was also the time when the Australians decided to turn on that great big heater in the sky......nice. The squad are making good use of local facilities especially the swimming pool and the ice cream machine in the mess, which is now starting to work overtime!!
The training regime was now lead by Fish our very mild mannered coach whose strong approach to forward play and love of contact resulted in the players understanding what the level of contact would be required in the IS competitions. Unfortunately Alfie Myles was injured in one of the contact areas resulting in an ambulance being called and him being escorted to the local military hospital by Sqn Ldr Pete Lilly our resident sports therapist. Initial results are inconclusive on the exact limit of the damage however cruciate ligaments are suspected.
With the guys training so hard twice daily over the past 3 weeks it was also the opportunity for the management team to allow them time to enjoy our wonderful hosts country with a bit of free time. Thursday was also a big day where we were also reunited to James 'Reggie' Reid following his operation having broken his tib & fib. Reggie was eager to see the facilities at RAAF Richmond and especially the wifi as all we have heard off him for the past week is 'I have no internet and cannot do anything'. Well the RAAF Richmond internet system lived up to its hyper and allowed Reggie to log on then immediately mysteriously turn itself off........much to Reggie’s frustration.
On a slightly funnier side Alfie decided to come with me to Sydney to collect Reggie, with less then 20 mins to Sydney we received a call from the Doc informing us that the lads had 'accidentally' taken Reggie’s shoes and as such he had nothing to wear on his one good foot to leave the hospital. That was until we realised that Alfie and Reggie who were both on crutches were the same size shoe, size 9. Alfie had damaged his left leg where Reggie had damaged his right, so the solution was easy Alfie lost his right trainer and sock and Reggie's little problem was solved. There are photo's available and when possible they will be uploaded - they do portray them both in the best tradition of the show 'Inbetweeners' as Shoe Friend's! That said looks like Alfie has had the last laugh as I have just been infromed that he appears to have won £1000 of the RAF Sports lottery!
The squad is now not due to get together until Monday 24th Oct where we will make the final preparations for our return back to the UK. I will still try to make regular updates however the temperamental wifi access may dictate otherwise, additionally it makes it almost impossible to upload photos.
Regards
Eric
Very special thanks to Raelene & Janet who looked after us so well, thank you.
Wg Cdr (Doc) Clive Monkley
The training regime was now lead by Fish our very mild mannered coach whose strong approach to forward play and love of contact resulted in the players understanding what the level of contact would be required in the IS competitions. Unfortunately Alfie Myles was injured in one of the contact areas resulting in an ambulance being called and him being escorted to the local military hospital by Sqn Ldr Pete Lilly our resident sports therapist. Initial results are inconclusive on the exact limit of the damage however cruciate ligaments are suspected.
With the guys training so hard twice daily over the past 3 weeks it was also the opportunity for the management team to allow them time to enjoy our wonderful hosts country with a bit of free time. Thursday was also a big day where we were also reunited to James 'Reggie' Reid following his operation having broken his tib & fib. Reggie was eager to see the facilities at RAAF Richmond and especially the wifi as all we have heard off him for the past week is 'I have no internet and cannot do anything'. Well the RAAF Richmond internet system lived up to its hyper and allowed Reggie to log on then immediately mysteriously turn itself off........much to Reggie’s frustration.
On a slightly funnier side Alfie decided to come with me to Sydney to collect Reggie, with less then 20 mins to Sydney we received a call from the Doc informing us that the lads had 'accidentally' taken Reggie’s shoes and as such he had nothing to wear on his one good foot to leave the hospital. That was until we realised that Alfie and Reggie who were both on crutches were the same size shoe, size 9. Alfie had damaged his left leg where Reggie had damaged his right, so the solution was easy Alfie lost his right trainer and sock and Reggie's little problem was solved. There are photo's available and when possible they will be uploaded - they do portray them both in the best tradition of the show 'Inbetweeners' as Shoe Friend's! That said looks like Alfie has had the last laugh as I have just been infromed that he appears to have won £1000 of the RAF Sports lottery!
"Shoe friends, best friends"
aka - Alfie & Reggie
The squad is now not due to get together until Monday 24th Oct where we will make the final preparations for our return back to the UK. I will still try to make regular updates however the temperamental wifi access may dictate otherwise, additionally it makes it almost impossible to upload photos.
Regards
Eric
Friday, 14 October 2011
Friday, 14th October
Daily bloggers: Rhys Williams & Lloyd Owen
Today Started with a welcome lie in, the first timing of the day was a parade at midday in the officers mess. There were a few glum faces after the loss yesterday.
During lunch the boys were told that they were to attend a wreath laying ceremony in Sydney city centre. It wouldn't be a reeth laying ceremony without a spot of marching, certain older members struggled more than others and toppers hall was spotted tick tocking..... He should know better. The ceremony was followed by a reception in Sydney rugby club, hosted by some of dave currys mates from World War II who were happy to share some interesting bag off stories.
The evening was taken up by packing for the move to Richmond tomorrow where we will be staying for the rest of our stay and a farewell function in the falcon club officers to thank everyone for their kind hospitality.
Tomorrow is a big day fior the welsh members of the squad, Dai Carey is anxious for the Wales semi final.
Today Started with a welcome lie in, the first timing of the day was a parade at midday in the officers mess. There were a few glum faces after the loss yesterday.
During lunch the boys were told that they were to attend a wreath laying ceremony in Sydney city centre. It wouldn't be a reeth laying ceremony without a spot of marching, certain older members struggled more than others and toppers hall was spotted tick tocking..... He should know better. The ceremony was followed by a reception in Sydney rugby club, hosted by some of dave currys mates from World War II who were happy to share some interesting bag off stories.
Tomorrow is a big day fior the welsh members of the squad, Dai Carey is anxious for the Wales semi final.
Thursday, 13 October
Hello again from Tim Coghlan and Tom Gardner, Greco Roman wrestling enthusiasts. A weak sun is attempting to break through onto the Blue Mountains and birdsong is in the air. Today we are trying something new, the blog will be in the present tense! Brace yourselves.
We're currently sitting on the team bus en route to Sydney to stick it to the Aussie defence force in their own back yard. The atmosphere is subdued, and the excitement in the air is palpable; especially as Tom looks over his shoulder and sees Josh 'Prostheto-leg' Nally dribbling in his sleep.
The match didn't go quite as planned with a resounding win for the home team. The score being 13-0 at the break caused hope in the RAF team, however the Australians stepped it up a gear and we failed to keep our shape. Impact winger Gardner said "Certain individuals stepped up, one or two others failed to perform, Jonesy being subbed before half time butt. Josh Nally needs new legs after his amazing effort!"
We are now sat having a reflective picnic in the shadow of the Sydney Football Stadium, thinking about what could of been and how to take our side forward. The team now have a few spare hours before the closing ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground; our thoughts mainly being with vice skipper James 'Reggie' Reid after Lance Tallet broke his leg in the final minutes.
Tom and I are now having a few cheeky medicinal Tooheys to numb the pain in Darling harbour. Excellent scenic views, a massive flag, and good atmosphere. However both of us agree that this place has nothing on Bristol's harbour side... Even though Tommy G has never been.
The day has ended and a new one has dawned. The closing function of the Australian phase of the IDRC was a blast. The free beer really helped to encourage international relations. The welsh boys got a lesson in how to really sing by the Tongans and Samoans, they were fantastic! Harmonies and everything. We're really tired, so bye bye.
We're currently sitting on the team bus en route to Sydney to stick it to the Aussie defence force in their own back yard. The atmosphere is subdued, and the excitement in the air is palpable; especially as Tom looks over his shoulder and sees Josh 'Prostheto-leg' Nally dribbling in his sleep.
Game Time
The match didn't go quite as planned with a resounding win for the home team. The score being 13-0 at the break caused hope in the RAF team, however the Australians stepped it up a gear and we failed to keep our shape. Impact winger Gardner said "Certain individuals stepped up, one or two others failed to perform, Jonesy being subbed before half time butt. Josh Nally needs new legs after his amazing effort!"
We are now sat having a reflective picnic in the shadow of the Sydney Football Stadium, thinking about what could of been and how to take our side forward. The team now have a few spare hours before the closing ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground; our thoughts mainly being with vice skipper James 'Reggie' Reid after Lance Tallet broke his leg in the final minutes.
Tom and I are now having a few cheeky medicinal Tooheys to numb the pain in Darling harbour. Excellent scenic views, a massive flag, and good atmosphere. However both of us agree that this place has nothing on Bristol's harbour side... Even though Tommy G has never been.
Darling Harbour
The day has ended and a new one has dawned. The closing function of the Australian phase of the IDRC was a blast. The free beer really helped to encourage international relations. The welsh boys got a lesson in how to really sing by the Tongans and Samoans, they were fantastic! Harmonies and everything. We're really tired, so bye bye.
PNG Presentation
Samoan Police
Tuesday, 11th October
Firstly appologies for the delay in these updates, unfrotunatley we lost our internet connection for a couple of days which meant very intermittant service!
Tuesday 11th October brings to you Anchormen Kibble & Craven!
We are now 15 days into the trip and the team have gotten into a strategic routine! Up at 7am to the warm sunshine and birds singing, don the chinos and polo shirts and head down to the officers mess for breakfast.
At 9am the bus departs for our adopted training home Penrith Emus stadium, where without fail the pitch had been freshly hydrated in reclaimed water! Training started with us basked in sunshine. Normally this would be seen as a positive, however everyone had to endure Lance 'Hellboy' Tallet's honking rig in the flesh.
After some defensive run-throughs the forwards cut away to hit the scrummage machine 'Ard, while the backs kissed it off in the sun (again..... forwards opinion) from a backs point of view, we spent valuable time perfecting our trade!
'Big' Ben Gilpin finally decided he felt like training after 15 days of chinning it off and preceded to annihilate the scrum machine. The session was a productive short sharp session with valuable team run throughs preparing us for the big game Thursday!
In the afternoon a team of intrepid explorers headed for the blue mountains. Charlie the team bus driver decided to give us a sniff of the delightful views on offer in this picturesque part of the country, stopping at echoes point to view the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation also giving chance for Rory 'the flash master' Wood to have his picture taken with the local wildlife (an actual life-size koala)
After we prized Rory away from his new found friend we headed to our destination Scenic World Blue Mountains in Katoomba!
On arrival it became apparent who were the men and mice of the group when we had to climb aboard the world steepest rail train to descend the mountain side. On the way down Tom 'Cornbeef calfs/Lego hair' Gardner gave out noises only dogs could hear, much to the amusement of the group! (pic)
On reaching the bottom we followed a short nature trail through the eucalyptus rainforest, although only a short walk Ben Gilpin's exertions at training proved too much, and he was ably assisted along by 'Horse Face' Tallet.
The short trail lead to a cable car which returned us to the summit 300 meters above much to Karl 'Blackout' Craven's excitement, Charlie the car operator literally had to wrestle the safety bar from him. 1600hrs we started the return journey back to Glenbrook when Craven decided to entertain a section of the bus with his new found blackberry app '5001 knowledgeable facts' which turns out are not that knowledgeable and Jimmy 'skip rat' Bargett took it upon himself to share his fountain of knowledge with us instead!
On return to Glenbrook Marco-Pierre Williams, RAF Cook extraordinaire, fired up the barbie and we all enjoyed steak and sunset on the veranda, while Team 'Essence' had a sausage-fest!!!!!
Oh and as we write Tim 'coaches-head' Cocklan, 'Legohair' Gardner and Lloyd 'Quentin' Owen are wrestling each other in their pants!!
Tuesday 11th October brings to you Anchormen Kibble & Craven!
We are now 15 days into the trip and the team have gotten into a strategic routine! Up at 7am to the warm sunshine and birds singing, don the chinos and polo shirts and head down to the officers mess for breakfast.
At 9am the bus departs for our adopted training home Penrith Emus stadium, where without fail the pitch had been freshly hydrated in reclaimed water! Training started with us basked in sunshine. Normally this would be seen as a positive, however everyone had to endure Lance 'Hellboy' Tallet's honking rig in the flesh.
After some defensive run-throughs the forwards cut away to hit the scrummage machine 'Ard, while the backs kissed it off in the sun (again..... forwards opinion) from a backs point of view, we spent valuable time perfecting our trade!
'Big' Ben Gilpin finally decided he felt like training after 15 days of chinning it off and preceded to annihilate the scrum machine. The session was a productive short sharp session with valuable team run throughs preparing us for the big game Thursday!
In the afternoon a team of intrepid explorers headed for the blue mountains. Charlie the team bus driver decided to give us a sniff of the delightful views on offer in this picturesque part of the country, stopping at echoes point to view the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation also giving chance for Rory 'the flash master' Wood to have his picture taken with the local wildlife (an actual life-size koala)
After we prized Rory away from his new found friend we headed to our destination Scenic World Blue Mountains in Katoomba!
On arrival it became apparent who were the men and mice of the group when we had to climb aboard the world steepest rail train to descend the mountain side. On the way down Tom 'Cornbeef calfs/Lego hair' Gardner gave out noises only dogs could hear, much to the amusement of the group! (pic)
On reaching the bottom we followed a short nature trail through the eucalyptus rainforest, although only a short walk Ben Gilpin's exertions at training proved too much, and he was ably assisted along by 'Horse Face' Tallet.
The short trail lead to a cable car which returned us to the summit 300 meters above much to Karl 'Blackout' Craven's excitement, Charlie the car operator literally had to wrestle the safety bar from him. 1600hrs we started the return journey back to Glenbrook when Craven decided to entertain a section of the bus with his new found blackberry app '5001 knowledgeable facts' which turns out are not that knowledgeable and Jimmy 'skip rat' Bargett took it upon himself to share his fountain of knowledge with us instead!
On return to Glenbrook Marco-Pierre Williams, RAF Cook extraordinaire, fired up the barbie and we all enjoyed steak and sunset on the veranda, while Team 'Essence' had a sausage-fest!!!!!
Oh and as we write Tim 'coaches-head' Cocklan, 'Legohair' Gardner and Lloyd 'Quentin' Owen are wrestling each other in their pants!!
Monday, 10 October 2011
Monday - 10th Oct
On the morning of Monday the 10th of October David Carey and Matt ‘the Rock’ Watkins took over the role of ‘duty bods’: their day started like any other, cloud and light rain filled the cold Penrith skies; Al Blewitt slurped down his early morning protein fix and the front row house, self-named Griffindor, waddled up the Officers’ Mess path for their usual three course breakfast.
The boys met at 0900 and after a quick change of clothing, training was underway; fortunately within minutes the weather changed and the boys were basking in the warm spring sun. After some focused passing drills and the normal Dave Hankinson warm up, the boys split down into forwards and backs.
The backs gathered together and, after removing their tops and smoothing sun cream on one another, undertook some basic passing exercises. Rory Wood’s scrum half pass required some direct mentoring from Head Coach Tug Wilson, but his advice paid off and Rory was throwing the ball around like a miniature Mike Philips.
Nathan Jones, a well known pilot at RAF Brize Norton, said ‘it was a great session this morning and I particularly enjoyed smoothing the sun cream over some of the younger players particularly Pilot Officer Lloyd Owen’.
The forwards undertook some lineout practise, running through all the moves including the driving mauls, before joining up with the backs for some final exercises. The oldest player in the team, Dave Curry, displayed some creative and unusual angles of running in the last exercise. The Head Coach, after noting ‘Old Man Currys’ enthusiasm, called a halt to the morning’s training.
The boys had a quiet afternoon, either shopping in Penrith or relaxing at RAAF Glenbrook: as the Quarter Final game approaches it is noticeable how the focus of the players is becoming more and more game focused. Most of the boys trained in the station gym in the evening and then settled to watch films in the mess or their respective accommodation blocks. To improve some players hand to eye coordination, the evening finished with some light Table Tennis training and the reason for Matt ‘the Rock’ Watkins nickname was evident as he struggled to move his feet after taking each shot.
In other news a Flash Hat has been instigated by the players committee to encourage all the boys to remain positive and avoid any negative emotional reactions to banter. The innovative action has paid off for all players with the exception of Tom Gardiner and Tim ‘Cofflan’ Coghlan who are now rarely seen without it. Lastly team Captain Jon ‘Toppers’ Hall has slightly annoyed his accommodation block by eating 17 of the 20 chocolate coconut cakes obtained ‘the Rock’ Watkins. His greed has caused a slight division in the accommodation block and a heavy fine is being considered.
Youtube clips of the RAFRU fixtures can be found here:
RAFRU v Papua New Guinea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeRJtTztxoA&feature=share&noredirect=1
RAFRU v New Zealand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-Shkw8UGtg&feature=share
Youtube clips of the RAFRU fixtures can be found here:
RAFRU v Papua New Guinea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeRJtTztxoA&feature=share&noredirect=1
RAFRU v New Zealand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-Shkw8UGtg&feature=share
Sat, Sun 8th & 9th Oct
The duty Bods for Saturday 8th and Sunday the 9th were Chris Davies, Ant Garland, Ady Gillespie and Al ‘Dot Cotton’ Blewitt.
Normal training sessions were undertaken both Saturday and Sunday with a lot of topless rugby to improve the tan lines. Sqn Ldr Rich Lane quickly followed suit and when he removed his T-Shirt all players and support staff were stunned by his horrendous set up, to such an extent that Eric dropped his pint of full fat milk and Alfie Myles cracked his first smile of the tour. To finish the session the squad took part in a focus handling session which required use of nicknames for both players and coaching staff. At this moment a whole range of nicknames were born such as badger teeth, badger feet, badger rig, fridge head, George Forman grill head and fridge head.....and that was just for Nathan Jones. The session was quickly brought to a close when one of the coaching staff who can’t be named (small baldy mans syndrome) flashed as the boys cried out for the return of Steve “barrel” Worrall. Both sessions were hard work with a lot taken from both. The squad were treated to both afternoons off in order to watch the quarter finals of the RWC.
By Saturday night all the gallant English boys were disappointed by their teams performance although Jimmy ‘The Muss’ Bardgett reckoned it would be very different if they had had more Northern Rugby League players in the squad. The dirty Taffs were overjoyed by the result and forced the whole squad to watch a replay of the welsh game on Sunday!
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