YCIS Shanghai Century Park Campus students were thrilled to receive a visit from world-renowned Rugby Coach Eddie Jones on Friday. Coach Jones is currently the coach of the Japanese national team, and formerly coached the Australian national team to Tri Nations’ success in 2001, and the World Cup final in 2003. He also served as the technical advisor for the South African national team during the team’s gold medal success in 2007.

Coach Jones led the YCIS touch rugby student athletes through a series of coaching drills and game-related exercises, and was able to pass on his insight and many tips regarding how to improve the students’ game sense and skills. More than 40 students from different year levels went through their paces and were quick to learn tips from the master coach.

Coach Jones later met with IB students and spoke at length about the importance of planning and being organised to be successful in any field, whether it be in sport, study, or work. Students also viewed a short film of the intense training Coach Jones’ players went through in preparation for the World Cup, which reinforced that great effort is necessary to achieve one’s best in any venture. Coach Jones spoke passionately about unifying teams with a common goal, and that all team members should commit to working towards that goal. Not only did the students learn about sport at the highest level, they were also treated to a highly motivating speech about the value of being prepared, determination, and the will to never give up.

Coach Jones was impressed with the warm-nature and behaviour of the students, and spoke of how much he enjoyed meeting and working with YCIS students, who are certain to recall his inspirational words both on and off the playing field.

Contributed by Michael Knuppel, Secondary Teacher, YCIS Shanghai