So another Year goes by and another completion of a Rugby Europe u18s Championship Tournament. I absolutely love the Event and applaud the Organisers for putting on such a great spectacle. Of course, my pride was once again on show with Son, Kaya Stores earning his eleventh cap for the Turkish ‘Milli Takim’ (National Team). In fact, they don’t receive caps, only the Irish Team implemented this action, but I think it could be a nice touch in the future.
Last Year Kaya and his Team Mates took the Country into the Championship for Rugby 7s for the first time ever. This time finishing seconds from bottom with four defeats and one win meant a relegation back to the Trophy. But already plans are a foot to try to regain our position back with the elite in 2024 where we will need to be atleast Finalists in Poland.
The Turkish Team started against a fantastic French Team, the eventual Winners and took a thrashing. Games against Lithunania, Belgium and Switzerland (the Hosts) were narrow defeats, before our beating Israel. We learned that despite leading in fixtures we couldn’t hold on till the finish, sometimes naive in tactics and time management – but also a mentality and physical strength that needed to be literally enhanced by only 5-10%. The preparation could have done that. There was room for improvement in the way the Camps are operated and programmed. 2022 was more disciplined. 2024 must return to that.
As previously shown, I was not a bystander, but sought to add-value in my presence to the Team. The Players benefitted from the introduction of Myself and Kaya from the UK as it added another dimension to Group dynamics. Our Company, Ragbi Stores provided gum shields, head guards and leisure wear to offer both protection, identity and camaraderie. Last Year’s input on Coaching and Competitor Analysis was not required, but Administration, Translation and Team Liaison were in abundance. Maybe 2024 might mean a more central role within the ‘Management Team’ as I believe in the Leadership of the Turkey Rugby Federation and its new President and Vice President. I want to play a part in our return to the Championship at the first attempt.
On launch, Ragbi Stores will distribute to the United Kingdom only. Anyone outside this zone should email: hello@ragbistores.com for a personalised plan and distribution. Purchases outside of the United Kingdom are made on the basis that any customer agrees to pay for any additional customs fees, after the shipping to that Country has been completed by Ragbi Stores.