When I was about 10, a friend invited me to try this sport. I did it and from that moment on, Rugby began a part of my life, first as a player, later as a coach but always as a supporter.

 

In 2009, I was asked to help the sub-10 coach, for he was alone with the whole team and needed a side coach. I somehow found the time to do it, because I felt that if it wasn’t for all the coaches I had during the years that I practised this sport, who sacrificed their private time to teach youngsters like me, I would never have had the opportunity to discover this sport.

 

Somehow, I felt that I was in debt…

 

 I've coached of the Under-12 team in Clube de Rugby S. Miguel, for that, I've completed level 1 coaching degree.

 

Not many years ago, at age 35, I've accomplished a dream long overdue, to restart training and playing on the highest level. I signed for the senior team and I practised, practised and also practised… Finally, I got rewarded on a match against a rival team, having played 12’. C.R. S. Miguel’s season was close to perfection getting 2nd place on the Portuguese 2nd division championship, therefore, playing on 1st division, this year.

 

One more goal achieved and showing that when you get into it and work hard, the sky is the limit…

 

Rugby it’s a sport that teaches us discipline, help us getting more focused, teaches the meaning of teamwork and what being a part of a team it’s all about… Rugby is a school to life itself.

 

When you have the ball, sometimes you only have a few seconds to decide what to do next. Rugby teaches us to think rapidly and to fight for our decisions as long as there is field to conquer… You learn to change tactics whenever you need and, finally, to pass the ball to a team partner if he is better positioned to go for the Try. Teamwork, judgement call, will of strength, sacrifice and humility, are some of the principles I learned and have kept until this day.