IN 1976, Jacob Thompson returned to Jamaica from London.
At that time, he decided to introduce rugby to the cadet core in schools as a medium to address incidents of crime and violence in the society, by reinforcing the discipline the sport demands.
Thirty years later, Mr. Thompson, the founder and president of the Jamaica Rugby Union, is counting his successes, among them
the Tarrant High School in St. Andrew .
IMPROVEMENT
IN BEHAVIOUR
According to principal, Albert Corcho, the school suffered due to the misbehaviour of some students, especially one group of girls.
"They were on the verge of being expelled," he said, adding that they were very rowdy and unpunctual.
But since the JRU introduced the girls to its programme, Mr. Corcho said their behavioural pattern has improved tremendously, adding that the sport has transformed the entire school.
Three of the girls, now graduates of the Tarrant High School, have obtained more than three Caribbean Examination Council passes and currently are members of the national team.
FOSTERS DISCIPLINE
"This game breaks down political barriers," he said, adding that of the 15 members of the national rugby team, nine are from inner-city communities where warfare was
common-place.
According to Mr. Thompson the nine players, although from rival communities, make a united team as the sport fosters discipline given the severe penalties for disobeying
its rules.
Against this background, Mr. Thompson said similar sporting programmes should be implemented in inner-city communities.
J. C.
