Smith’s latest read quite an education

Oct 20 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

Smith has his own ideas, but he admitted he set them aside, preferring to let the pros do the talking.

As for the current academy system, Smith said the perfectionist will always lead him to challenge accepted practice.

“The demand for success is so immediate now that often these youngsters are not given the time to develop that you would want in a perfect world,” he said.

“I think we are forcing them to focus specifically on one sport too soon in their development when a more rounded sporting education throughout their developing years would stand them in stronger stead.

“I understand the reasons and limitations which make the system what it is right now, but in some respects it is a shame there is not more leeway.

“You have young props coming through in their early 20s who have come through the academy system, some of whom are not ready for first team or senior competition, but in time will get there.

“The trouble is squad sizes and budgets dictate that clubs are probably unable to hang on to that player until they are in their mid 20s and starting to realise their potential.

“In the early days at the Falcons we had an under-21s team which competed in a national league, giving players of that age the chance to further their development within a more restricted framework.

“There is no real opportunity for that now.

“In a lot of cases the current system works well and identifies talent quickly.

“However, I don’t believe it has radically improved overall since the onset of professionalism and there is certainly room for improvement.

“That is scrutinising the system very closely, and looking at it from the point of view that the clubs do themselves in trying to ascertain where improvements can be made.”

Published by Book Guild Publishing Ltd, Rugby Union: The Men Who Make the Game will be available on November 26.