Buster
Chris McKivat (8)
Perhaps Dr Hawkes and the others have had a Road to Damascus like conversion. Maybe this has been the result of seeing where this is all heading when taken to the nth degree.
When schools slip a couple of boys in, no-one really notices that much, then the schools getting beaten bring 4 or 5 in, this process keeps escalating until we get to whole teams being brought in, lop-sided scores bordering on humiliation, safetly issues, self-esteem issues etc. (I hope people noted the words of Richard Fletcher on the importance of sport in the whole development of adolescent boys)
Faced with the choice of letting things continue on the present course, or ruling a line under it, admitting past fault and trying to return to some sort of normality. I actually think it's encouraging that Dr Hawkes has admitted past fault instead of pedalling the "it's everyone else but us line" that many schools trot out.
Admitting there is a problem and acknowledging your role in it is a prerequisiste to solving the problem.
Show me a man who can't acknowledge past fault and I'll show you a man who isn't true to himself.
QH no doubts what so ever that some may see a problem, even one they are a part of, and wish to make a change. My issue however (as appears to be highlighted by the post from Paddogreen regarding starting after year 9 numbers) is that, from a rugby perspective, the other schools still have big numbers joining the senior teams after year 9, more so, in this case, then Scots.
I'm all for a conversion or change for the better, but its a bit steep to change your mind and act so bullishly on such short notice. Maybe try having a team free of parachuters for a season before blowing up?? It is a mere thought to dwell on. And for the record, i acknowledge that kids start after year 9 (boarders and such), but are all of them seriouslt free of scholarships? or assistance?
Paddogreen... may i ask where you got the information regarding the starters after year 9? Would be interesting so see where the data has come from and how this featured in any discussions with the school HM's?