“Shortest kid” walks so tall
As an example of rugby’s values, it couldn’t have been better.
One young boy is overwhelmed at a training camp, believing that all the others are older and bigger than him.
As the coach steps in to reassure, teammate Jack arrives, saying: “Trust me, I’m the shortest kid here but it doesn’t matter if you are short or tall. You are a brilliant rugby player, you are insane for your age.”
After a big hug, the two boys go back together, and the coach, Graham Higginbotham, can be heard saying: “Best team mate ever!”
A camera person was capturing footage during the week-long course at Sedbergh and micd up the coach to get interaction with the players. Reviewing the footage the moment of magic appeared.
What rugby is all about
Jason Duffy, Sedbergh’s Course Programme & Outreach Development Manager, and a former RFU community coach, said: “This video is a great example of teamwork and the values that a love of the game gives both on and off the field. It’s what rugby is all about.”
Jack, the little guy with the big heart, is a student at Sedbergh and his parents had checked in by phone to be sure he was enjoying the course. When they saw the video of Jack supporting another player, they had tears in their eyes.
The boys will be England mascots
Parents gave permission for both boys to feature in the video before it was posted and went viral on social. Now England Rugby and O2, who appoint mascots at Twickenham as part of their partnership with England Rugby, have invited both boys to be England mascots in the autumn.
Said Marie Houlgate, Head of Sport Partnerships and Sponsorships, Virgin Media O2: “We were incredibly inspired by this story of Jack and his demonstration of the core values that we know and love behind this great game we know and love. We’re delighted to offer him and his team mate Bob the opportunity to represent England Rugby as official mascots at one of the games at Twickenham in the autumn. We hope the boys continue to support each other and set a great example to the next generation of players”
Watch the video here
