After 27 years of playing rugby for the club, Alex Norcross knew his final game would be an emotional one. Here he reflects on life post-retirement and his decision to volunteer time back to the club.
“Representing RWBRFC has been a privilege and an honour and I have been lucky to have played alongside some interesting characters and some very good rugby players. I have come away with amazing memories, both good and bad, and have made lifelong friends.
But moving on from playing has its benefits and negaitves. I guess my big fear from retiring was venturing into the unknown on a Saturday. There was initially a sense of freedom and not having the worries of making Tuesday and Thursday night training.
However the more pre-season went on, with the new season approaching, it became clear I was feeling like I’d made a mistake. I knew mentally I still had the edge, the body however was struggling to make the cut, which made it all the more difficult.
It’s hard to truly explain what not playing on a Saturday means. The only way I can describe it is missing being around good friends, experiencing the banter, the butterflies and the banged up bodies on match days - a feeling that I worry I’ll miss the most.
New volunteering role
Knowing I still had something to offer the club - as a volunteer - was something I was extremely keen to explore. Which is why I decided to offer my services to film our games, make clips of videos and analyse game footage. It is something the club has been doing for a while and I hoped this would be a great way to stay in touch with the boys.
The role was slightly more relaxed than playing, but I still feel those match day vibes right from the start, which is a great feeling.
Four games in and the decision I made was the right one, and has helped me make the transition from player to volunteer knowing that I’m still contributing to the club, and most importantly, to the progression of player excellence. Having the support of Emmy and the kids has meant everything to me and I am truly grateful.
Under 12s Coaching
Another part of the retirement phase gave me an opportunity to help coach my boy and his U12s team, transferring all the club’s values I have learned over the years into the younger generation.
Supporting the age group is important to me as I know if I can coach them just a little bit in the way they approach and play rugby, and the values they share amongst one another, then that will be a massive success in my eyes.”
