Lote Tuqiri says he was impressed with the passion on display when he and Aaron Mauger dropped in on a Leicester Tigers Rugby Course.
Australia international Tuqiri and Tigers vice-captain Mauger welcomed young players on to the course, which has been running at Stoke RFC this week.
Mauger, who has been capped 45 times by the All Blacks, joined Tuqiri, whose 67 Tests for Australia include a try-scoring appearance in the 2003 World Cup Final against England, answering the questions and passing on expert tips. They also signed autographs and posed for pictures.
Tuqiri said: “They seemed like a very happy bunch of guys and asked us loads of questions about professional rugby. A lot of them want to be professional players and they were all very passionate about their rugby.
"It's a great sport to be involved in, at all levels, as a game for all body types and they obviously enjoy their involvement.
"It was great to meet the guys and we certainly got a sense of their passion for the game."
Mauger added: "They were asking about how we got into rugby, how we started professionally, our schedule and our diet. They were pretty inquisitive with their questions.
"We spoke about working hard and making the most of opportunities, and about the importance of balance. They all want to be professional rugby players but we talked about the importance of schoolwork, training the brain and other aspects of life that can help get you there.
"I really enjoyed it, sharing my knowledge. Everyone starts at that age group and if you get some good, positive role models and give them something to aspire to then it has to be positive for them."
Tigers Rugby Courses are supported by Mark Group. They are for players involved in contact rugby from under-nines through to under-16s and see the club's community coaches work on all aspects of rugby.
Every player who attends the course will receive a free ticket to a Tigers first-team game at Welford Road as well as a Tigers Rugby Course T-shirt, rugby ball and drinks bottle.
Tigers will be running courses over the Easter holidays at Market Bosworth RFC and Market Harborough RFC (April 6-9) and at Oundle School (April 12-16).
Tuqiri added: “When I was younger I would have certainly benefited from seeing professional players at a local junior rugby camp.
“It's a great initiative from the club - and a way for the Tigers to keep an eye on any local talent as well.”
For more information on Tigers Rugby Courses or to book a place contact the Tigers community team on 0844 856 1880 or log on to www.leicestertigers.com/rugbycourses
Australia international Tuqiri and Tigers vice-captain Mauger welcomed young players on to the course, which has been running at Stoke RFC this week.
Mauger, who has been capped 45 times by the All Blacks, joined Tuqiri, whose 67 Tests for Australia include a try-scoring appearance in the 2003 World Cup Final against England, answering the questions and passing on expert tips. They also signed autographs and posed for pictures.
Tuqiri said: “They seemed like a very happy bunch of guys and asked us loads of questions about professional rugby. A lot of them want to be professional players and they were all very passionate about their rugby.
"It's a great sport to be involved in, at all levels, as a game for all body types and they obviously enjoy their involvement.
"It was great to meet the guys and we certainly got a sense of their passion for the game."
Mauger added: "They were asking about how we got into rugby, how we started professionally, our schedule and our diet. They were pretty inquisitive with their questions.
"We spoke about working hard and making the most of opportunities, and about the importance of balance. They all want to be professional rugby players but we talked about the importance of schoolwork, training the brain and other aspects of life that can help get you there.
"I really enjoyed it, sharing my knowledge. Everyone starts at that age group and if you get some good, positive role models and give them something to aspire to then it has to be positive for them."
Tigers Rugby Courses are supported by Mark Group. They are for players involved in contact rugby from under-nines through to under-16s and see the club's community coaches work on all aspects of rugby.
Every player who attends the course will receive a free ticket to a Tigers first-team game at Welford Road as well as a Tigers Rugby Course T-shirt, rugby ball and drinks bottle.
Tigers will be running courses over the Easter holidays at Market Bosworth RFC and Market Harborough RFC (April 6-9) and at Oundle School (April 12-16).
Tuqiri added: “When I was younger I would have certainly benefited from seeing professional players at a local junior rugby camp.
“It's a great initiative from the club - and a way for the Tigers to keep an eye on any local talent as well.”
For more information on Tigers Rugby Courses or to book a place contact the Tigers community team on 0844 856 1880 or log on to www.leicestertigers.com/rugbycourses
