Is it an arms race or is it that other schools have developed or are developing better rugby programs to get the best out of their pool of players. It is not a coincidence that Joeys have been such a powerhouse of rugby talent for so many years. When I get the opportunity to watch Joey's boys play, there seems to be a greater level of commitment and passion in what they are doing on the rugby field and I am not just talking about the A teams. Even in their C, D, E and F teams there just seems to be a certain "hardiness" about the style of rugby that they play. A couple of decades ago (I am showing my age), in the Qld GPS comp it was Nudgee that had that presence.
Look at the dominance of Shore when it comes to rowing. No one is suggesting that they are involved in an arms race in that sport. May be they just do it better than the rest of them? You can't underestimate the mental toughness and inherent belief systems ingrained in these boys.
Other schools such as TSC have been investing in better facilities including the well publicised "high altitude training" room, strength and conditioning programs, nutritionists etc. They are also working in conjunction with local universities in sports research, which I am sure will lead to further improvements in their sports programs particularly in the areas of injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Lets also keep it in perspective and remember Sport is just a microcosm of what these schools are about. Arms race?.....who knows. I tend to take a more positive view and say they are striving to be the best they can possibly be, not just in rugby but in all aspects of school life, be that sport, the arts and most importantly academics.
Wreckless
