Enjoying the game and its social side is the number one priority in Lincoln University rugby in 2019 as the new season gets underway.
The Metro season kicks off on Saturday with Lincoln looking to start their chase of a fifth consecutive title with a win against last year’s runners-up New Brighton.
Division one men’s coach Alex Robertson said all men’s grade teams this year- division one and two, and colts- have new management teams.
“We are looking to use this as an opportunity to really build connections between all teams, men and women, on a social side.
“Rugby is an outlet for most of the young men that turn up and we want to ensure that whilst they are here, yes we hold them to high standards, but the enjoyment and social factor is at the top of the list.”
With six players named in the New Zealand Universities squad before the season has even started the young division one side will have their depth tested.
Luke Donaldson, Caleb Makene, Rameka Poihipi, Antonio Shalfoon, Nic Souchon and George Stratton were named to play Kansai Universities on April 6 at University Oval in Dunedin.
Alex said the average age of the division one side this year was only 20.
“The pre-season build up has been very exciting and enjoyable. We’re hoping a fresh approach to how trainings have been run will present a new challenge to the young group of men we are working with.”
He said the team have set high expectations this year, as they look to contribute to the history of the club.
“At the start of the year, all players set out three standards that they believe will help them achieve their end of season goals. We will be looking for the team to hold themselves accountable to those standards that they have set pre-season," Alex said.
“However, most importantly we will be looking for the team to go and enjoy playing with their mates and representing their club.”
Alex said in the pre-season games last weekend “a lot of character was shown throughout the games. This is something that is very evident amongst all teams so far.”