The Rugby Klub Bratislava – season 2016/2017

How to resume a season of rugby?

Ako zhodnotiť rugbyovú sezónu?

We will start the RKB 2016/17 review by sharing in some great moments that defined the season both good and bad!

Začnime pomaly, podujatie po podujatí, aby sme si pospomínali na skvelé chvíle, ktoré sme spolu v sezóne 2016/2017 prežili.

The first event of note was the Zilina 7’s tournament where we were slightly light on numbers due to a couple of departures from the previous season. Most notably and unfortunately Arek’s decision to stop playing and volunteering had significant impact on the wider group focusing his attentions on his career and sidelining his desire to train and compete.

The continued support of Rugby Klub Bratislava to Rugby Club Spartak Trnava was never more on display when the two giants combined forces in a derby match against notorious rival Slovan Bratislava!

The Rubgy 7’s in Brno saw 3 members of the junior squad allied with the core senior squad challenge against some of the best teams in the Czech Republic and it was a vital learning experience to face such well drilled sides, and a superior level of rugby all around.

Na sedmičkové rugby do Brna sme prišli s troma juniormi a kostrou seniorského tímu. Súboje proti najlepším českým tímom boli náročné, no skvelé na naberanie skúseností z hier na vyššej úrovni.

Due to the loss of several players from the previous season as mentioned previously; 3 sides joined forces featuring players from a combined; RKB, Trnava and Zilina to face off against Piestany for the seniors against Piestany. We are still today eternally grateful to the support of the others, and whilst the cohesion wasn’t quite there the fixture was not abandoned and in turn helped entice new players. So a small victory was seen in that, at least.

Piešťany proti RKB, rugby XV, druhá slovenská liga. Po množstve odchodov po konci predchádzajúcej sezóny sme museli postaviť zmiešaný tím s Trnavou a Žilinou. Dodnes sme im vďační za podporu. Súdržnosť tímu však nebola najlepšia, no udržali sme sa v zápase, aj vďaka čomu sme neskôr mohli prilákať nových hráčov.

The Kosice Vs Trnava fixture was the most weather effected fixture of the season, with torrential rain, gale force winds and puddles even freezing mid fixture the match was abandoned at half time when the home side refused to come out of the shed without informing the opposition or even the correct authorities. Perhaps those with frozen hands, legs and fingers were warmed that the match was abandoned, however the whole event showcased that Rugby from the Eastern parts of the country experiencing sustainability issues!

Košice proti Trnave v najhoršom počasí, v akom som kedy na Slovensku hral. Dážd so silným vetrom menil mláky na ľad, premrznuté  nohy, ruky i prsty s pocitovou teplotou tipujem -2 stupne. Zápas bol po polčase zrušený, keď sa časť košických hráčov rozhodla zostať v šatni bez toho, aby informovala zvyšok tímu a organizáciu. Myslím, že od tohto zápasu bolo jasné, že okrem počasia, súťaž v ktorej hrá tím z ďalekého východu nie je pre každého udržateľná.

The first event for the children for RKB at home on our pitch with participation from Slovan Rugby and Rugby Club Spartak Trnava was an outright success, and an event which created fond memories for all participants and players alike. The level of rugby whilst not exceptionally high was at least entertaining for the onlookers and supporters who were very vocal and supportive of their little champions! We saw this for the club and the broader domestic rugby agenda as a massive triumph and step forward to attract the next generation of players at grassroots level. Children after all, as we are always reminded are the future!

Prvý turnaj pre deti na ihrisku RKB s účasťou Slovan Rugby a nášho partnera Rugby Klub Spartak Trnava. Veľmi pekné spomienky, veľa detí, pekná hra, ktorá bola zábavná aj pre publikum, ktoré podporovalo malých veľkých šampiónov. Pre nás a možno i pre Slovensko to bol veľký krok vpred pre rugby školu a na dotiahnutie detí k rugby. Odkedy sa ľudia dozvedeli o možnosti hrať súťažne rugby, začali sme každý tréning vítať viac hráčov.

The last match of the year 2016 saw a brutal defeat at the hands of Zilina, and whilst the result was not one anyone was hoping for, it did however serve as a recruitment mechanism with a couple of new additions to the squad arriving in this period! Some of the personnel have come in with zero rugby experience and have shown exceptional commitment both in training and in matches, that said it is always a struggle to sustain such high levels of commitment due to the nature of the beast, but there was a core senior group created, and we were very optimistic looking forward to 2017 and further forward.

Posledným zápasom roka 2016 bolo stretnutie so Žilinou. Vysoko sme prehrali, no na druhej strane sa nám počas jesene podarilo získať zopár nových hráčov. Noví hráči, ktorí začínali čo sa týka rugbyových znalostí od nuly, ukázali veľké odhodlanie a zápal pre tréniny a súťaž- Samozrejme je zložité udržať pravidelnosť pri každom, no senior tím sa nám podarilo stabilizovať – sezónu predtým sme mali plnú zostavu a hrali sme vynikajúco. Do roku 2017 sme však mohli pozerať s optimizmom.

Calm before the storm; The Slovak Rugby Union put and organized a very useful two day refereeing session for current and aspiring referees – which proved exceptionally insightful in helping those come to terms with basic laws and even more of the complex ones! We recommend these sessions even for ‘more season campaigners’ who from Tier 1 rugby nations maybe they think they already know it all, but as we’re reminded every day, learning never stops!

Prestávka pred búrkou: rozhodcovský kurz v Bratislave, ktorý organizovala Slovenská rugbyová únia. Počas dvojdňového workshopu si všetci oficiáli i budúci rozhodcovia na Slovensku prešli základné i pokročilejšie pravidlá. Každému, koho rugby zaujíma, by som tieto stretnutia, organizované dvakrát ročne, odporúčal. Zvlášť pre veľké hlavy z cudziny (Francúzov, Britov, Talianov), ktorí si myslia, že keďže pochádzajú z rugbyovej krajiny, tak vedia všetko.

Rugby Bratislava

Trnava vs Slovan, the red/black vs the blue sky/white. A classic derby in football, and rugby too. We were pleased once again to reinforce our friends and partners. Obviously, as long clubs can’t secure their senior squad, we could not really compete fully against a very experienced team as Slovan Bratislava, which has members since as far back as 2005. After two seasons for the RKB, and six seasons for Trnava, each month is a challenge to secure the senior squad where ieach individual member has a different perspective in their life. I am pleased the managers staying in the rugby business to hold the ship in the right direction and to keep the dream alive.

Trnava vs. Slovan, červeno čírni proti belaso bielym. Vo futbale klasické derby a v rugby tiež. Radi sme podporili našich priateľov a partnerov. Samozrejme, kým tímy nestabilizujú svoju základnú zostavu, nemôžu súperiť s takým skúseným tímom, ako je Slovan, ktorý funguje od roku 2005. Po dvoch sezónach RKB a šiestich Trnavy je každý mesiac výzvou stabilizovať základnú zostavu, keďže jednotlivci majú iné životné ciele. Teší ma, že manažéri, ktorí zostávajú pri rugby držia kormidlo v správnom smere, aby udržali sen nažive.

During the European championship Juniors U18, I was invited to be part of the referees selection, as a touch judge and to manage the replacements. As well, I should mention the positive commitment to our President Slavo, and another active member Palo, who have managed the medical issues and injuries with the Ambulancia vehicle. As a general trainer, I am always pleased when members from RKB help the rugby in Slovakia.

Počas Majstrovstiev Európy juniorov som bol pozvaný ako rozhodca a asistent pri striedačke. Chcel by som spomenúť pozitívny prístup nášho prezidenta Slava a aktívneho člena Pala, ktorí posilnili usporiadateľov. Ako tréner som veľmi rád, keď členovia RKB pomáhajú slovenskému rugby.

Zilina vs Bratislava – not an easy fixture bang in the middle of the holidays with quite a few players unavailable for selection due to travel. We were leading for the first 20 minutes but alas with no reinforcements on the bench fatigue was always going to be an issue towards the end of the match. The core tactic of the day was to avoid set pieces both in the lineout and in the scrum and to try and keep the ball alive as much as possible! Some people may call this ‘French Flair” but a special thanks goes out to Andrea who whilst supporting Christophe became a very effective ‘water-girl’!

Žilina proti RKB. Neľahký zápas na začiatku dovolenkovej sezóny, ktorá sa začala pre viacero našich hráčov. Prvých 20 minút sme viedli, no bez hráčov na lavičke sme od začiatku videli, že ku koncu sa budeme trápiť. Veľká vďaka Andrei, ktorá prišla podporiť svojho Christopha a stala sa núdzovou nosičkou vody. Napriek všetkému sme hrali veľmi dobre. Ako tréner si myslím, že sme určili náš štýl, založený na rýchlej odovzdávke lopty, hraní rukami a vyhýbaní sa mlynom a lineoutom a udržiavaní lopty v hre. Vo Francúzsku to voláme French flair.

V4Connect with Jean-Maxime Renard

Meanwhile, during the season, we very fortunate to secure a marquee sponsor namely “V4Connect”, facilitated by Jean-Maxime Renard, who plays for both Trnava and Bratislava. More details about this signing a little later on…..

Počas sezóny sme získali nového partnera a sponzora, V4Connect, pod vedením Jeana-Maxima Renarda, ktorý hráva aj za Trnavu aj za RKB. Neskôr partnera predstavíme aj s ďalšími detailmi.

Rugby Klub Bratislava successfully organized a second event for children at home unfortunately without representation from Slovan Bratislava whose trainers were otherwise engaged in a rugby 7s competition elsewhere, and alas Piestany didn’t have enough players to compete fully. There are signs of growth as Zilina is building their rugby academy and hopefully next season with a bit of good fortune they will join full time which will augment an ever growing rugby family developing a few more little champions from middle Slovakia.

RKB zorganizoval aj druhé podujatie pre deti, tentoraz bez Slovana, ktorého tréneri sa zúčastnili na sedmičkovej súťaži a bez Piešťan, ktoré nemali dostatok hráčov. Svoju rugby školu buduje aj Žilina a snáď sa budúcu sezónu pridajú, aby sme rozšírili rugbyovú rodinu o ďalších malých šampiónov zo stredného Slovenska.

The Last match of the season 2016/2017 in the second division SK rugby XV, with Piestany vs Zilina, myself supporting Zilina at scrum half. It was such a great celebration of Slovak Rugby with a very extremely entertaining match from both sides where Piestany coming out eventual winners both in the fixture and in the championship. I would say they deserved it, even if slightly biased as I have offered them my part time services dating back to 2015.

Also, it was with regret that we had to say a premature goodbye to our dear friend and much celebrated SRU manager Vladimir K. It was after this fixture, a few days later, he decided to turn off the spot light to stay in the shadow for long. The last memory I cherished of his was when he gifted the official balls for the season 2017/2018 printed with all logos of each club in Slovakia; which just led me to believe that it was going to business as usual for next season, sadly it was not the case, and all of the RKB family wish his loved all the best going forward in what will be a very testing time. We will always be here for them!

Rugby 7s was a smooth conclusion to spring 2017 with a few scrambling warriors surviving from injuries and or laziness. I would like to mention in particular the explosion of our junior Paul, who at the end of the rugby 7s competition was the leading try scorer with 4; thanks to his largely to his natural speed and acceleration. There is of course less pressure in this format, and shorter match times coming in at 14 minutes (7 each half), a good way to cool down after an exhausted rugby XV competition and develop and enhance new skills too.

Sedmičkové rugby plynulo ukončilo jarnú časť sezóny 2017 so viacerými bojovníkmi zranenými alebo lenivými. Chcel by som však spomenúť nášho juniora Paula, ktorý ukončil našu sedmičkovú sezónu 4 položeniami, čím sa stal vďaka svojej rýchlosti a zrýchleniu naším najlepšie skórujúcim hráčom. Menej tlaku v týchto súťažiach, viac zápasov v kratšom čase (14 min každý), dobrý spôsob ako si oddýchnuť po vyčerpávajúcej XV súťaži.

Slovan Bratislava concluded the Children’s by organizing a great event in Cunovo, south of Bratislava near the Hungarian border. The kids were fantastic are our champions all dressed in black club colors demonstrated much the greater skills and a high level of physical conditioning with some standout individual performances – somehow this just maybe a reflection of good training and the effort and dedication put in by Guy and myself.

Po RKB uzavreli sezónu pre deti aj RC Spartak a Slovak organizáciou turnaja pre deti v Čunove, na okraji BA blízko maďarských hraníc. Deti boli úžasné a naši šampióni v čiernom predviedli skvelé zručnosti, dobrú fyzickú pripravenosť, individuálne zručnosti nadobudnuté na dobrých tréningoch, vedených trénermi Guyom B. a mnou.

The last tournament on Slovak territory finished with a flourish at the rugby 7’s competition in Cunovo immediately after the kids event. Slovan edged Trnava out of a tightly contested event to claim the title of the best team rugby 7’s in Slovakia. Setting the derby as the last fixture in the group stages, Slovan enjoyed an advantage to play deep into the tournament with more players on the bench, with Trnava only having a tight squad of 10 players and with one injured during the tournament. Also, in my humble opinion, a referee of such match should be wholly independent, without any connection to either team playing or contesting such a fixture.

Posledný turnaj na území Slovenska boli opäť sedmičky v Čunove, hneď po turnaji detí. Slovan a Trnava zostali poslední v boji o titul najlepšieho sedmičkového klubu. Derby sa hralo ako posledný zápas. Slovan využil výhodu početnejšej lavičky v takom dlhom turnaji, Trnava mala len 10 hráčov, pričom jeden sa ešte aj zranil. Z môjho pohľadu by rozhodcom takéhoto zápasu mal byť niekto nezávislý, kto nie je priamo spojený s jedným z tímov.

We saved the best for last. Rugby Club Donau Wien vs Rugby Klub Bratislava was billed as a ‘warm up rugby XV match’, a friendly of sorts with adapted and flexible rules, including; four 20 minute quarters with drinks breaks to accommodate the blistering and dizzying heats of 35 degrees! There were mixed teams and unlimited changes also. Losing by only few points, we had to cancel the first invitation for different reasons and finally catch the last date available on our tight agenda to compete against a great side. Somehow, playing against such a well-known name/brand in central Europe, it seems our members took that match more seriously than before and in one shot improved the standard immeasurably creating the template for the most entertaining of games at fast and brutal collisions. I was very proud to lead that squad.

Na záver to najlepšie. RC Donau Wien proti RKB vo veľmi horúcom priateľskom zápase s upravenými pravidlami. Hralo sa 4×20 minút, aby sme mohli v teplotách nad 35 stupňov lepšiedodržiavať pitný režim, so zmiešanými tímami a neobmedzeným počtom striedaní. Prvé pozvanie sme museli odmietnuť, no napokon sme našli vhodný termín na tento zápas proti skvelému tímu, ktorý sme prehrali len o pár bodov. Zdá sa, že naši členovia zápas proti veľkému stredoeurópskemu klubu vzali naši hráči serióznejšie a výrazne zlepšili svoju úroveň. Hral sa veľmi atraktívny zápas v rýchlom tempe a s tvrdými stretmi. Bol som na náš tím veľmi hrdý.

I embarked on this sporting adventure with pioneers in May 2015 and after two years it is safe to say that I thought the job would be easier than it is but new situations arise week by week and we face new challenges all the time, but on the flipside it has brought me closer to many new people and we have developed many new friendships along the ride!

No matter how hard my management or my communication, I am forever grateful to my dear and departed friend – Vladimir K, a titan who will be forever irreplaceable, he was such a ball of energy, and somehow more powerful than a nuclear plant.

I am also grateful to Slavo, who has been our President since 2016, and an efficient player, who has charged himself with all of the RKB administration A big thanks goes out also to Julius, who has helped us with the marketing and the newly formed RKB shop. Big up to Guy, who joined our rugby school last Spring with his two sons, with one actually surviving our training (or simply the second chose video games if they still exist! ). The best for last… or not really because he’s English is Zulf, who lead the Senior Training for second part of the season and whenever available pending family constraints! Having these types of volunteers working for free for the public and the fans with such great skills is I believe the biggest chance for RKB and the most valuable asset for everyone.

Charlie – general trainer RKB