By Jeremy Burks
Six years after their first-ever rugby practice along the banks of Han River, the Han River Pirates recently launched their new spring season at Dulwich College Field in Banpo-dong, southern Seoul.
Some 30 girls and boys, aged 7-14 attended the first training session.
“What a great start to the season; lots of kids, beautiful weather and excellent facilities provided by our hosts, Dulwich College Seoul,” said Guillaume Lauzol, the club’s new president. Lauzol emphasised how grateful the Han River Pirates were for the loan of the facilities.
“It is so important to get a reliable and safe place to play; I know past club presidents had to battle hard to find good facilities,” he said.
While the club is open to all boys and girls, the leadership has always come from the international community and this year the management team are all French.
“Of course we welcome kids of all nationalities,” said Nic Klebnikoff, whose son has played with the Pirates for several years. “Rugby has always been able to bring people together and the Han River Pirates has always had a fun but competitive atmosphere which kids love!”
The Pirates’ website boasts ``over the course of the first three years, some 250 youngsters, coming from approximately ten nations, joined in the fun.’’
Club patrons and some of the original parents who kicked off the Han River Pirates in April 2005 watched the proceedings from the touchline on Sunday.
The club plays Touch, a non-contact version of rugby that allows players to develop basic skills such as passing, catching and positional play. It also encourages speed and agility and always a spirit of teamwork and fair play. Because it is non-contact, Touch is a sport that both boys and girls can compete together in on even terms.
The team meets each Sunday, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Dulwich International School www.dulwich-seoul.kr in Seoul. For parents or children interested in playing, all information can be found at www.hanriverpiratesrugby.com