- Let them know you are coming - Unless you are a 7’ lock or run a 4.3 40m, it’s going to be tough to grab the attention of anyone out of the blue. Therefore, you must let coaches know you will be there. In your communication, make sure to include what team you are playing on, your position, and your coaches’ contact info. If you have a schedule, go ahead, and send that as well. If you see college coaches from programs you are interested in on the side-line, go ahead and introduce yourself.
- Hustle/ Work Rate/ Off-The-Ball Play - Did you know: The average time the rugby ball is in play during a match is less than 30 minutes. * This means that most of the time, you will NOT have the ball in your hand, meaning that coaches will spend most of the time watching what you are doing “off the ball.” Did you make a tackle and get right up to hit the next ruck? Or did you lay there for an extra few seconds to catch your breath? The amount of hustle, high-work rate, and off-the-ball play are areas that definitively separate the good players from the great players.
- Character - This is becoming more of a critical factor when it comes to recruitment. Typically, when things are not going a player’s way, they may see poor character come out (e.g., if you make a mistake or do not start). If this happens to you, remember coaches are watching! Do not scream at the referees or your teammates, be supportive and a positive person on your team. All college coaches want someone who will add good character to their team!
- Wear Something That Identifies You - When there are so many players at a recruit camp or tournament—many who can look alike—you need to find a way to stand out and help coaches and selectors remember who you are.
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