No one tells you that as you get older, you still feel like a child but have to do responsible things.

I was coaching the junior academy at the Rugby club I work at. They’re all about 17 years old. We had a pool recovery session which involves low intensity mobility and swimming to aid recovery. Before they got in, I saw the woman who was working pool side. Let’s just say, she looked like a bit of a “Karen” and wouldn’t appreciate any silly shenanigans (how am I also classified as a responsible adult? I don’t know).

I briefed the lads and said “You see that woman over there? she looks like the kind of woman that would give us grief if you all bombed in the pool. So if you get in sensibly, we can play a fun game at the end”

So they did.

The game at the end was essentially; I would ask a question about the “Karen”, and whoever said anything different to my guess, had to dive and touch the bottom of the pool. Some of these questions included:

• How many managers has she asked to see so far this week?

• Does she actually know how to swim herself, despite being a lifeguard?

AND

• When she last got laid…

My coaching style is very relaxed. I like to have a bit of fun. But you can be damn sure that I enjoy what I do and am good at it!

Don’t grow up and always pursue your passion.