Photo Credit: Francois du Toit
This week started on a very positive note for the 2021 schoolboy rugby season with rugby training that kicked off at schools in certain provinces. There will be one month of non-contact training that will be followed by one month of contact training, as per SARU prescripts. The first games may be played as from 17 April if allowed by Covid19 regulations.
However, there are now numerous logistical challenges caused by COVID restrictions, which still have to be addressed. One challenge is the number of teams that will be allowed to play games because COVID restrictions will certainly limit the number of players and coaches allowed on sport terrains. Will games perhaps be restricted to only the A and B teams or A to D teams? What will then become of the rugby season for the lower-ranked teams?
This possible dilemma brings to mind the value of the lower-ranked teams and what part they play in schoolboy rugby in terms of spirit and commitment. Schools that are fortunate to have a large number of boys can easily field up to 7 or 8 teams in every age group. Unfortunately, games between the lower-ranked teams usually do not draw large numbers of spectators. Nor are they taken very seriously, except maybe by the coaches and the parents next to the field.
These games are often played on the poorer quality rugby fields and at unpopular times. One often hears of games that are played on frost-covered fields or on fields that are so dry that the players disappear in a dust cloud at every tackle or ruck. And when the linesman or "assistant referee" is one of the reserves or parents, it says it all...
Schools that have a large number of teams in every age group often play against schools with fewer teams.
This usually means that the lower-ranked teams have to play against other schools or not at all. This is not ideal especially during inter-schools or Derbies when they then miss out on the opportunity to do battle on the field with their rivals and to experience the camaraderie usually associated with these events.
The games against other schools are also sometimes played during the week, which means that parents and other supporters are not always able to attend these games due to work commitments. And what if there are not enough players to make a full team, which sometimes is the case with the lowest-ranked teams. This usually means that players of other lower-ranked teams have to make up the numbers in that team and then have to play more than one game on match day. Often the players of the higher-ranked teams will come to support their dirt-tracker comrades in arms – it is always great to hear the encouraging cheers and complimentary comments from these usually better-skilled players
In rugby terms, the "B team" of a touring squad that plays the midweek games in between the major test games or the reserve players, who often do not get the opportunity to play a game, is traditionally referred to as the “dirt-trackers”. This term can also be applied to the lower-ranked teams or players in schoolboy rugby and although it sounds derogatory, it is actually a term of respect for these boys who are always willing to play rugby every week and season despite the inglorious and challenging circumstances.
The commitment and passion often displayed by the dirt-trackers can only be commended and hopefully, they will also have the opportunity to play rugby this season. Hats off and respect to the dirt-trackers of school rugby!
Article by: Francois du Toit