Small Flanker

Question
I am a high school flanker. This is my first year playing and I've had the honor of being selected for my union's U19 All Star team. I am nervous not because of my confidence in my ability, but because of my size. I am 5'10 and a lean 175 lbs. I always feel outsized by other flankers. Especially at the breakdown.  Playing in college next year too worries me because I anticipate they will only get bigger. Any tips for a little guy?

Answer
Mr McGuinness,

The beauty of rugby is that it is unique in the sporting world with having not only a position for every body type, but having a position where specific body types are useful.  I a squatty body no neck thick legged type of a guy.  While that is the stereotypical rugby player, there are only two positions on the pitch where that body type is useful.

I have seen successful small players at not only hookers and the scrumhalf, the traditional positions for smaller guys, but at flanker, fly half and full back.  

The saying of it is not size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog that is important.  Proper technique, fitness, and heart can make you work any of those five positions.  Many people focus purely on the power and size of a rugby player, as opposed to the techniques involved.  The beauty of being a smaller player you must focus on technique since you will not succeed on power.  One of the best flankers I have ever played with was one of the smallest members of the team, but he was very fit and loved to tackle.  I watched in make three tackles in a single play.

Be confident your ability, play hard, and play with the heart of a lion.

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart


Deane Shephard
Stuttgart