Video - From Helmand Province to coaching the Estonian National team - a 130kg prop's tale
Corporal Chris Budgen has served in the New Zealand Army and the British Army, he's also played top level rugby for Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs.
The New Zealand-born prop did a three-month tour of Iraq in 2004 and was in the Helmand province in Afghanistan in 2007.
His job with 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh has now taken him to Tapa, Estonia, around 80 miles from the Russian border. In his spare time he's also helping to coach the Estonian national rugby team.
The 45-year-old played 95 times for Exeter Chiefs between 2008 and 2013 and became the English Premiership's oldest try scorer in November 2012 when at 39 years and 287 days he rumbled over against Worcester.
Now he's enjoying his coaching experience in Estonia. "It is quite easy to coach because they are so enthusiastic, they just want to learn."
"I think it's a bit of a challenge for myself - getting right back to the grassroots, it is purely amateur out here - but they are so keen."
The Estonian Rugby Union was established just ten years ago, but Budgen believes there is huge potential in the country.
“I reckon if they get the funding and the backing, they can go a long way", he said.
Ragnar Toompere, the president of the Estonian Rugby Union, highlighted some of the struggles the game faces there.
"Rugby has never been a sport in our country, so we have started from roughly zero and it has been a bit of a ride".
“Our season is from April until November if we are lucky, so (it's) hard to keep consistency in getting people involved".
Latest Comments
Safas are so triggered by Ireland. 3 consecutive losses, incl RWC. 8 losses out of last 12 Tests. Always excuses, of course, with Bok fans. Now Rassie with his “88%” nonsense, the Claytons Excuse is an embarrassment to Bok teams of the past when every test mattered. Their fickle mojo will be on edge for the Ireland tour. Have the referees been appointed yet ? They will need security. Have WR laid out strict guidelines for TMO’s and replays on the stadium screens ? Will the constant stoppages from Bok forwards for cramps and bootlaces be tolerated ? We’re not talking a dominant Springbok team here, they won the LOTTO Cup and they know it whether they admit it or not. The Disney doco has their fans positively fermenting internally, its going to be a nasty hangover if they get beaten on home soil. What will the excuses be then……
Go to commentsGreat role model.
Go to comments