Down under rugby 2007 program review

The 2007 Program was an awesome experience for everyone involved. The six athletes who came Down Under had a complete blast, as did DUR coaches Matt and Grant. It was great to have guys from Louisiana, Toronto and New York mixing it with the Aussies on their home soil.

Three of the six guys scored "meat pies" (tries) this season which gave everyone a real thrill. Although not everyone scored a "meat pie" all athletes improved their game dramatically, conversed with current
Wallabies at their training sessions, went to a Tri-Nations game (Australia Vs Sth Africa), made new international friends, and had an amazing time in Sydney.

The average age of the group was 22 which was lower than the average age of 26 in 2006. The 2007 group were all college students who really did bring a bucket load of enthusiasm down to Australia. This provided for a hugely successful program both on and off the field and another unique
combination of personalities.

The 2007 DUR athletes were;

Jonathon Isles - Stony Brook University, New York, USA
James Rehkopf - Louisiana State University, Louisiana, USA
Zach Pancer - Queens University, Toronto, CA
Bryn Davies - Queens University, Toronto, CA
Josh Chauvin - Louisiana State University, Louisiana, USA
Chris Cook - Louisiana State University, Louisiana, USA

Check out their personal accounts of the DUR Program below...

A week in the life of DUR athlete Jonathan “Shaky” Isles in Sydney, Australia.

Monday
In the morning, we lift with DUR trainer and ex-professional Rugby League player Jason Tasell. The session starts on the rowing machines and progresses to athletic lifts - power cleans, squats, deadlifts. The afternoon is saved for relaxing around beautiful Coogee. Often, the DUR group play a few games of Rugby Tennis on Coogee Beach. The evenings are dedicated to reviewing video and having one-one-one game analysis of the past weekends' game with Matt and Grant...



Jonathan Isles
Stony Brook University, NY, USA

Coming to Australia to play rugby was a dream fulfilled.  Coming from Louisiana, it’s hard to find any rugby except on the internet, so when I first arrived and saw a group of guys playing some touch rugby, I was in awe.  From the first step off the plane, I was immersed in rugby culture and it was great.  I’ve never seen so much rugby in my life...   



James Rehkopf
Louisiana State University, LA, USA

Making the decision to travel half-way around the world to the land Down Under in my summer was intimidating to say the least. However, upon reflection of my 8 weeks in Sydney with DUR I can recall only the memory of great times shared with new friends made both on and off the Rugby pitch...



Zach Pancer  
Queen’s University, Toronto, CA

The time that I spent in Sydney with the DUR program was such an amazing experience. I was able to make huge advances in my rugby game and play in a nation that has much more rugby knowledge and experience. The training consisted of two a day practices and games on Saturday. We usually had weight lifting or speed work in the mornings with Jason, an ex rugby league player, who was always pushing us to improve our strength and fitness. And he always found time to sneak in the beach workout...



Bryn Davies
Queen’s University, Toronto, CA

Being ex-college football player and not really knowing much about rugby at all (other than it requires constant tackling which I like) I have to say that this program has greatly expanded my knowledge of the game. Grant and Matt were able to break down stuff for me in way that I could understand. This enhanced my love of the game and allowed me to go the next level. The workouts and speed training with Jason were murder. When we would do beep test training tapes I thought I my legs were going completely give out but these were seriously the best cardio workouts I have ever had in my life...



Josh Chauvin
Louisiana State University, LA, USA

Down Under rugby 2006 Program