Interview with Nanyak Dala and Sean White: Vancouver Island Crimson Tide Regional High Performance Coaches
BCRN: You’ve been named the coaches of the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide men’s program for the upcoming season. Nanyak as head coach and Sean as assistant coach. Congratulations on that.
Nanyak: Thank you Mark! It is exciting to work with this program again and the top management and players taking the next step in their rugby development.
Sean: Thank you Mark, very excited for the opportunity to work with this High Performance Group.
BCRN: We’re just coming out of a long rugby lockdown period in BC due to COVID, how do you see rugby getting back on track over the next few months?
Nanyak: First and foremost, I am sure everyone is raring to get back on the field but we need to do that safely and follow the guidelines set out by BC Rugby to aid in a safe return to the game. Once we are all on track and getting back into the groove, a lot of hard work, enthusiasm and enjoyment will see the cobwebs shaken off.
Sean: It’s hard to say really, hard to predict. I think that’s why this is so exciting right now. There’s a group of players on the Island chomping at the bit to get back into the game.
BCRN: The Tide is the representative team for Vancouver Island. What’s the plan to get regional rugby back to a high level in BC?
Nanyak: Providing the opportunity for the next level of talent is always key. Having a lengthened period of training and competition will aid highly in giving some good opportunities to some talented players. This will lead to a pathway to the BC team, MLR and eventually the National team programs. A successful and professional outfit and product will lead to higher honours achieved and create a higher draw from the youth feeding the program as well.
Sean: Our plan is to tap into the history of the Crimson Tide. Players should not only know the club they are playing for, but they should know the significance to Canadian Rugby that Crimson Tide has had throughout the years. Many who have worn the Tide jersey before them have gone on to become Canadian and World Rugby legends. I think at times we reduce the magnitude of what that really means. To me, it’s that historical part that makes this game so great, and I think of moments over the years we’ve lost that historical connection with the Tide. The High Performance nature of the program had deteriorated over the years for many reasons. Prior to the games over the last couple years with the Seattle Seawolves and Canada Select teams, getting players to continue Rep Rugby in BC after a full season was a very big ask, as we have seen at times with the BC Bears even. I think that the small change in format and scheduling is a massive step towards providing our athletes with the high performance pathway many have been asking for over the years.
BCRN: The support of the clubs is important, how has the dialogue with the clubs been going? Are they supportive?
Nanyak: I think the clubs are highly supportive of all their players achieving high honours and showcasing the club in the process. It is important that as we move forward, we continue to work with the clubs to ensure the interests of both the clubs and the players are catered for. Club rugby is extremely important in nurturing these players from a grassroots level and that needs to be acknowledged and respected through this process and beyond. There is a natural progression in life where the body tends to follow the head. In this case, having the cream of the crop competing at a higher level, with other top level rugby players will get the rest of the teammates to strive for that path as well.
Sean: I may not speak for everyone here, but I believe that it is the role of the Crimson Tide to support club rugby. For me it needs to be collaborative and transparent. Were not separate or individual in what our aim for success should be, we’re all working together to develop Canadian Rugby Players. But how can that work when the Tide may be taking players away from a Fall season? For me, it starts with trust. Trust in the development process and trust in the environment that we will create with the Tide. For the clubs who lose a few players to the Tide in the Fall, there should be an excitement for those players who have been with the Tide to develop within Rep Rugby. When they return to their clubs, the aim is for them to drive up the intensity in training and to relay and pass on the High Performance habits learned over the Fall. This is not to say that this process does not happen within clubs already, and I am certainly not doubting the ability for club coaches to do this on their own. The Tide program simply offers an opportunity for like minded players to be in a High Performance set-up, for them to test and push each other each week in training and then step up against a similar product on the weekend and express themselves.
BCRN: What’s the message to players who want to start training and get on the high performance track. How do they keep in the loop and who should they contact?
Nanyak: Any players serious enough to make the commitment and put in the hard work to compete at a higher level can contact either myself or Sean. With this program, we have a wealth of international and local experience to draw from on and off the field in coaching, Management, strength and conditioning. It is there on offer and they just need to step forward and make use of it all. It is also very important to get in touch with your club coaches and liaise with them. They know you and see you more than we may have seen you and they are an important part of this process as well.
Sean: Be active with your clubs. Talk to teammates and club coaches on how to get involved. As for returning to play, be patient. Most players have had 9 months off in some way or another. Listen to your body along the way.
BCRN: Any last thoughts on the Tide program and the upcoming season?
Nanyak: It is extremely exciting to see how this group takes on a high performance environment and to see some of the diamonds that come from it. On a personal note, it is pretty exciting to work with Sean again, he has always been one of the most dynamic players and personalities to have graced the field and I can’t wait to see that coming through on this side of the field as well.
Sean: Super excited to work with Nanyak. As a player and teammate you could always count on his preparation and relentless effort on the field. I have full confidence that he will bring that same mindset and attitude to this program as well. Overall, I’m looking forward to getting the group together and going through the challenges together.
BCRN: Thanks Nanyak and Sean, wish you guys all the best this season and hope to catch up along the sideline soon.
Nanyak: Much appreciated Mark. We look forward sharing this journey.
Sean: Thank you for reaching out Mark.
[ed. you can reach Nanyak at Nanyakdala@gmail.com and Sean at seanwhiterugby@gmail.com ]