Ospreys in the Community were delighted to link up with Guinness PRO14 outfit Southern Kings this week to provide a unique training session for students of Pencoed Comprehensive and Bridgend College.
In the middle of their three week UK and Ireland tour theSouth African side took a break from training to join OitC coaches at Pencoed Comprehensive School for a special rugby session.
The touring side were keen to join community initiatives while on their travels so were aided by Guinness PRO14 to link up with Ospreys in the Community for an exciting first for the championship.
Taking a break from their preparations for tonight’s game against the Ospreys, players travelled from their temporary base at The Vale to Bridgend and got stuck in to a number of training drills run by OitC Coaches and Hub Officer for the Comprehensive and College, Dean Ronan.
For students it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to train with a pro rugby side and quiz them in a Q&A and it was a session enjoyed by the professional and non professional players as Dean Ronan explains:
“The boys had a fantastic time training with the Southern Kings team, it was such a unique chance for them to play against, and with, professional players that it’s something they won’t forgot. They picked up some great tips by watching how the Kings players trained and it was really interesting to learn more about them and how they were finding playing in the league.
We’re really grateful to Ospreys in the Community for organising such an amazing experience, Guinness PRO14 for their assistance, and the Southern Kings for taking part”.
Paul Whapham, Ospreys in the Community Foundation Manager, added:
“We’re so pleased that the Southern Kings wanted to join in with community activities while they were in the UK. A touring team taking part in such a session is another exciting first not just for the foundation but also for the Championship and we’re delighted to have been thought of to be part of that thanks to the fantastic working relationship Ospreys in the Community have with the team at Guinness PRO14.”
The Ospreys welcome the Southern Kings to the Liberty Stadium in the Guinness PRO14 this evening, Friday 16th February KO 7.35pm, for tickets please visit ospreysrugby.com/buytickets or visit the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office.