Thursday, April 15, 2010
School of Hard Knocks 2010 - Episode 1
Last year the School of Hard Knocks went to North Wales where a hardened group of troublesome youths were taught the values and skills needed to be part of a rugby team. This year, the fascinating show is based in London and runs as a full length series.
Former British & Irish Lions legends Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell are back to play their part as mentors to the group of unemployed young men who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, most of whom had never played rugby.
Over a period of eight weeks, Quinnell and Greenwood face the challenge of channelling the energy and aggression of the guys into the sport, helping them grow as both a team and as individuals who can get off the street and make a proper life for themselves.
This year the show is far edgier and offers more insight into the process, with plenty of incidents and many life-changing moments for the young guys, both on and off the field.
Posted here today is the first episode of the series, broken up into three parts. The first episode introduces us to the group as they themselves get introduced to rugby. A phone gets stolen along the way, they learn a few new dance moves, and they get an inspirational talk from boxer Mark Prince.
Its just over twenty minutes in total, and well worth getting into as later on a few stars are born, a player takes on Greenwood, and the team nail their job interviews.
More episodes will be posted over the next few weeks if the response is positive, so let us know what you think of the series, and the concept on a whole. Part 1 is at the top.
Posted at 11:28 am | 65 comments
|
Posted in School of Hard Knocks
|
|
Viewing 65 comments
Fraser April 15, 2010 12:03 pm
Thanks for posting this. Really good show, last years was also cool.
Anonymous April 15, 2010 12:14 pm
Looks better than last year, those Welshmen from the deep countryside were kind of annoying.
adam April 15, 2010 12:23 pm
AWESOME. looking forward for more. lol i play forward too.
Anonymous April 15, 2010 12:25 pm
Thanks RD, it will be great if u keep posting the episodes.
Abbyno7 April 15, 2010 12:43 pm
Really good start. Already enjoying it more than last year. Keep posting.
Anonymous April 15, 2010 12:51 pm
That was amazing, if you can post more episodes then Im all in RD
Anonymous April 15, 2010 1:12 pm
more more!! this is really good, better than last season!
rodofle April 15, 2010 1:20 pm
They should do the same in Paris suburbs it could be funny too. I'd love to see someone like Fabien Pelous trying to explain how great rugby is to some geezers... A clash between two opposite worlds...
Anonymous April 15, 2010 3:09 pm
I want to slap that fat downsyndrome looking guy. Everyone there could knock him out, thinks he's gangster or something lmao
goodNumber10 April 15, 2010 3:26 pm
Fantastic.
I grew up. went to school and played rugby as a youth in that area, so I've been wanting to see this since I heard about it.
thank you for posting this up.....
I grew up. went to school and played rugby as a youth in that area, so I've been wanting to see this since I heard about it.
thank you for posting this up.....
Tom April 15, 2010 3:39 pm
Im from the area, Dagenham to be precise, my school was just behing where that Anthony lad was giving his rousing speech. I have played rugby at East London RUFC several times. I actually played for the Boys team a few times if this takes off might be an idea to start it up again over there. On a seperate note, Kings Cross Steelers play over there too, a gay only rugby team, Ironic that I took a boot to the face playing against them and not against the supposed rough youths of the area?
Anonymous April 15, 2010 3:49 pm
Keep them coming. I think it a great show to have on. Makes me realize how luck we are. IT IS A MUST SEE FOR ANY RUGBY PLAYER.
Sander April 15, 2010 4:10 pm
Great episode, looking forward to the rest.
Like RD stated in the intro, it seems a lot better than last year's series.
Keep 'em coming, RD!
Like RD stated in the intro, it seems a lot better than last year's series.
Keep 'em coming, RD!
Carolyn April 15, 2010 4:16 pm
Pleas please please can you post the rest of the episodes!! Thanks to all at Rugbydump!!
Anonymous April 15, 2010 4:46 pm
RD Great post and i'm glad rugby is being used as a vehicle to change those boys life..It did for me and i'm thankfully for rugby!!
Ryan April 15, 2010 5:12 pm
great stuff RD! a truly facinating series-- too bad the episodes are only 20 mins! can't wait to see what happens next... keep em'coming!
goodNumber10 April 15, 2010 6:35 pm
"Im from the area, Dagenham to be precise, my school was just behing where that Anthony lad was giving his rousing speech. "
Priory?
Looked like it, but maybe had it wrong.
Exactly the same, from Dagenham, played at that ground a few times, but not for East London.
Priory?
Looked like it, but maybe had it wrong.
Exactly the same, from Dagenham, played at that ground a few times, but not for East London.
RD April 15, 2010 6:43 pm
Hi all, good to see such a positive response here. I'll definitely get the other episodes up sometime soon.
The good news is that the show actually gets better as it goes on.
If you enjoyed it and want to share with a friend, please post them the RD link (rather than grabbing it off youtube).
Much appreciated, cheers.
The good news is that the show actually gets better as it goes on.
If you enjoyed it and want to share with a friend, please post them the RD link (rather than grabbing it off youtube).
Much appreciated, cheers.
Josh April 15, 2010 6:53 pm
Good on Quinell and Greenwood for doing this, but maybe they should focus on their attention on other people. This system is basically rewarding those who deliberately make a mess of their life and basically make trouble.
Been to prison? Charged with assault? Robbed someone? Are you a drug addict? Part of a gang? Got an asbo? If yes to one of the above, we will reward you with the fantastic oppertunity to meet the Welsh rugby team! Watch them train. Get ex-rugby playing Legends to help you play rugby! That is not all, call within the next 24 hours and you will get free tickets to a professional rugby game!
It is seriously like this. Personally, I don't give a shit about these people, I'm from a poor working class backround like they are and now I'm a doctor. The difference is, I didn't go out with my mates, I didn't get into the life of crime, I stayed at home and studied. Where is my meeting with international rugby players?
You know that if no one buys the Olympic 2012 stadium, they will give it to the London council to help gang members 'get off the street and into athletics'. This system is a joke, reward the bad, shoot dead the good. Words can't express how angry I am over this series.
Been to prison? Charged with assault? Robbed someone? Are you a drug addict? Part of a gang? Got an asbo? If yes to one of the above, we will reward you with the fantastic oppertunity to meet the Welsh rugby team! Watch them train. Get ex-rugby playing Legends to help you play rugby! That is not all, call within the next 24 hours and you will get free tickets to a professional rugby game!
It is seriously like this. Personally, I don't give a shit about these people, I'm from a poor working class backround like they are and now I'm a doctor. The difference is, I didn't go out with my mates, I didn't get into the life of crime, I stayed at home and studied. Where is my meeting with international rugby players?
You know that if no one buys the Olympic 2012 stadium, they will give it to the London council to help gang members 'get off the street and into athletics'. This system is a joke, reward the bad, shoot dead the good. Words can't express how angry I am over this series.
Anonymous April 15, 2010 6:53 pm
Amazing and inspirational. More of this please.
Josh April 15, 2010 6:56 pm
Opportunity* Sorry about the typo.
Also, when I say working class, I am from a single parent home. Never ever used any drugs, no coffeee, no smoking or any alcohol, ever. I suppose I am bitter, but I have worked bloody hard all my life to get where I am.
Also, when I say working class, I am from a single parent home. Never ever used any drugs, no coffeee, no smoking or any alcohol, ever. I suppose I am bitter, but I have worked bloody hard all my life to get where I am.
goodNumber10 April 15, 2010 6:59 pm
Josh that's a little unfair, kids make bad decisions, surely it's better they try and channel these lads into something positive rather then allow them to carry on down the path to self destruction?
Many kids from poor or under privileged backgrounds end up in crime or on the downward slope when a listening ear and a bit of guidance and opportunity is all they need.
Role models for these type of lads are incredibly important, not everyone has the parental support and family system in place to drag themselves out of these kind of environments as people like yourself and myself have done.
Many kids from poor or under privileged backgrounds end up in crime or on the downward slope when a listening ear and a bit of guidance and opportunity is all they need.
Role models for these type of lads are incredibly important, not everyone has the parental support and family system in place to drag themselves out of these kind of environments as people like yourself and myself have done.
goodNumber10 April 15, 2010 7:12 pm
One thing i'd love to know is how many of them continue to play rugby after this, and how many of them stay ont he straight and narrow.
this is a great initiative, but counts for not much if they all revert to type after the program.
this is a great initiative, but counts for not much if they all revert to type after the program.
Blue April 15, 2010 7:27 pm
@Josh -
I agree with you that schemes like these that reward the degenrates while ignoring the law-abiding memebers of society are annoying.
However, try to remember that SOHK is only presented under the pretence of being a social project where as in reality the bosses at Sky only gave it the thumbs up because it is driving viewership.
It's our liberal labour nanny state that spends taxpayers money on schemes that provide an easy safety net for people to fall back on when things go wrong. Free NHS Stop Smoking/Lose Weight initiatives paid for by my money?! Maybe they shouldnt have eaten and smoked so much in the first place.
If you're angry about it i hope you'll be voting conversative in the upcoming election it's Tory policy to allow people to take more responsibility for their own circumstances.
I agree with you that schemes like these that reward the degenrates while ignoring the law-abiding memebers of society are annoying.
However, try to remember that SOHK is only presented under the pretence of being a social project where as in reality the bosses at Sky only gave it the thumbs up because it is driving viewership.
It's our liberal labour nanny state that spends taxpayers money on schemes that provide an easy safety net for people to fall back on when things go wrong. Free NHS Stop Smoking/Lose Weight initiatives paid for by my money?! Maybe they shouldnt have eaten and smoked so much in the first place.
If you're angry about it i hope you'll be voting conversative in the upcoming election it's Tory policy to allow people to take more responsibility for their own circumstances.
Josh April 15, 2010 7:48 pm
I agree with you, but I won't be voting. Can't trust the tories after what Thatcher did by selling off all the industries to private companies.
But one thing, taxes are payed on fatty foods and smoking, so it isn't a complete waste of money. I would say smoking brings in far more money than it costs for NHS treatment.
Back on topic, it would be interesting to see how they continue on the straight and narrow path. But I didn't have a supportive parent, my dad was an alcoholic and I was kicked out at the age of 16. I stayed on the streets sleeping in bus shelters and taking showers at school while going to a local church for the homeless for two meals everyday.
Anything is possible if you really want it to be.
But one thing, taxes are payed on fatty foods and smoking, so it isn't a complete waste of money. I would say smoking brings in far more money than it costs for NHS treatment.
Back on topic, it would be interesting to see how they continue on the straight and narrow path. But I didn't have a supportive parent, my dad was an alcoholic and I was kicked out at the age of 16. I stayed on the streets sleeping in bus shelters and taking showers at school while going to a local church for the homeless for two meals everyday.
Anything is possible if you really want it to be.
SOHK April 15, 2010 8:45 pm
The negative posts are being unduly judgmental about the players and what they have or haven't done in the past. The recruitment criteria for SOHK is unemployment. Many have never put a foot wrong in their lives. All needed a hand to get a job, even the lad from a private school with a masters degree. Surely anything to help get them on track is a good thing.
Scotsdale April 15, 2010 8:49 pm
Josh, you're my hero, seriously. You're a better man than.. well, than anyone on this show, clearly. Hell, you're making me feel like a loser just listening to that violin play while you splaff off about what a waste of time this show is.
I'm sure that because of the School of Hard Knocks, many kids will turn to drugs, violence, and alcoholism just so they can meet Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell. I just might myself.
.................................
On a more positive note, great show. I've seen the whole thing and it's fantastic. Uplifting and thoroughly watchable, regardless of who you're going to vote for in the upcoming elections. *Sigh*
I'm sure that because of the School of Hard Knocks, many kids will turn to drugs, violence, and alcoholism just so they can meet Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell. I just might myself.
.................................
On a more positive note, great show. I've seen the whole thing and it's fantastic. Uplifting and thoroughly watchable, regardless of who you're going to vote for in the upcoming elections. *Sigh*
OriginalStan April 15, 2010 10:44 pm
I agree with Josh here, it is a testament to the world we live in. The majority of the public live in a fairy world with rainbows and candy and have no idea about the harsh realities of life many suffer through. These people don't have problems, they are just a bunch of people who don't have an answer apart from laziness as to where they are now.
sacricketer April 15, 2010 11:31 pm
holy sh*t that mark prince oke is the man! for being a boxer, he's one hell of a well-spoken dude, got me all fired up. enjoy your second career as a motivational speaker mark.
Anonymous April 16, 2010 7:21 am
Thank you so much rugby dump, great show, can t wait for next weeks
nick g April 16, 2010 11:16 am
You absolutely have to post the rest of the series please.
This is very inspirational stuff. Thank you
This is very inspirational stuff. Thank you
Alexander April 16, 2010 11:51 am
Why, rugby politics first, now British politics. we've got it ALL on rugby dump! Seriously Josh, ever grown up in a Household where you weren't taught morals and reason? Some people have!!!
Sam April 17, 2010 12:36 am
well personally i'd be inclined to agree with josh....
i mean, how many of you know that stealing is wrong? now can you remember exactly when you learnt that? i cant....i obviously did get taught it, but strangely enough its not something i feel like i have 'learnt' it feels natural to know right from wrong, and these little sh*ts cant honestly say they thought what they did was right.....
so yeh, i agree, there is incentives to better yourself once you have already walked into the sh*t without any help....
why not visits to my local club where i play by famous bunches, and make a program on the kids down there, who want to make things of their lives and want to play rugby, many of whom are from lower class backgrounds and have gotten off their own asses and made good decisions.....
Josh, you almost had me eating out your hand until you said you will not vote....
to me thats ridiculous, you moan gripe etc etc yet you do not try and alter the outcome of things...
even if you voted for ukip or whatever, at least it will inspire people to see more votes going up and up...
........or bnp...
Anyway....i cant say i like this video because its full of robbing little sh*tes that dont deserve anything other than a flogging!
i mean, how many of you know that stealing is wrong? now can you remember exactly when you learnt that? i cant....i obviously did get taught it, but strangely enough its not something i feel like i have 'learnt' it feels natural to know right from wrong, and these little sh*ts cant honestly say they thought what they did was right.....
so yeh, i agree, there is incentives to better yourself once you have already walked into the sh*t without any help....
why not visits to my local club where i play by famous bunches, and make a program on the kids down there, who want to make things of their lives and want to play rugby, many of whom are from lower class backgrounds and have gotten off their own asses and made good decisions.....
Josh, you almost had me eating out your hand until you said you will not vote....
to me thats ridiculous, you moan gripe etc etc yet you do not try and alter the outcome of things...
even if you voted for ukip or whatever, at least it will inspire people to see more votes going up and up...
........or bnp...
Anyway....i cant say i like this video because its full of robbing little sh*tes that dont deserve anything other than a flogging!
Scotsdale April 17, 2010 8:09 am
Sam, you have no clue what you're talking about. What makes you think they're robbers?? They're unemployed, troubled young men, all for different reasons. The one guy has a masters degree ffs. He's not done any jail time at all, and yet your ignorance labels him a thief.
Well done to the low class kids at your club for getting off their arses, but sometimes people just need a helping hand, which is what this show has done for them.
Well done to the low class kids at your club for getting off their arses, but sometimes people just need a helping hand, which is what this show has done for them.
Anonymous April 17, 2010 9:14 am
"Anonymous said...
Looks better than last year, those Welshmen from the deep countryside were kind of annoying."
Retard, they were nowhere near the countryside, it was North Wales, most were from Liverpool/Warrington.
Looks better than last year, those Welshmen from the deep countryside were kind of annoying."
Retard, they were nowhere near the countryside, it was North Wales, most were from Liverpool/Warrington.
Sam April 17, 2010 1:24 pm
'Well done to the low class kids at your club for getting off their arses, but sometimes people just need a helping hand, which is what this show has done for them.'
ok scotsdale i jumped the gun....but what makes someone troubled?
did you need a helping hand? and congrats to the guy with a masters degree, he should be bright enough to sort his own life out!
where are the rewards for those that got off their own arses and payed their dues and worked hard and didnt need a helping hand?
its not so much this program really, but its the whole concept....act like a shite and be rewarded....
dont get a job and be payed benefits, but remember if you get a job you lose the benefits....so its better to just sit and do what you want without a job and get the benefits....
p.s public flogging would give them motivation to get their rears into gear!
ok scotsdale i jumped the gun....but what makes someone troubled?
did you need a helping hand? and congrats to the guy with a masters degree, he should be bright enough to sort his own life out!
where are the rewards for those that got off their own arses and payed their dues and worked hard and didnt need a helping hand?
its not so much this program really, but its the whole concept....act like a shite and be rewarded....
dont get a job and be payed benefits, but remember if you get a job you lose the benefits....so its better to just sit and do what you want without a job and get the benefits....
p.s public flogging would give them motivation to get their rears into gear!
Anonymous April 17, 2010 1:58 pm
This boxer is incredible!
But I prefer is brain than being confronted to his fists!
But I prefer is brain than being confronted to his fists!
Participant April 17, 2010 2:27 pm
I participated in this series and you it was a great experience. I think most people on the forum here see that and understand, what rugby performance is trying to do. Remember Sky Sports just came along for the ride, and as a participant you can see that they edited it to what best suited them and their ratings.
Reading some of the negative comments, by a few of the people, to be honest first of a all I thought it wasn't worth a response.
Then I thought it might be jealously, but then I thought who would be jealous of these young adults, if you got to know them and their life stories. And you know what, on reflection of the experience / series I can only recall one real time waster, and thats obvious from the first episode. By the end of the series you could really tell the people that had changed and learnt from the experience.
But in reality I think its a stereotypical (be it pre-conceived, media implanted or whatever) view that people have of this generation of young adults, and that they dont want to help themselves.
But the lesson I took out of particpating is that, some people really are looking for redemption or that second chance, and in reality some people do deserve it. Whilst others just aren't given the opportunity because of the same pre-conceptions that are shown here by the narrow minded few.
And to be really honest with you 90% of the guys I played with in the series didn't even know who Will Greenwood or Scott Quinnell were, as they had never played rugby before, they had to go on youtube to find out!
Anyway the series is a great watch and just gets better as it goes on.
Reading some of the negative comments, by a few of the people, to be honest first of a all I thought it wasn't worth a response.
Then I thought it might be jealously, but then I thought who would be jealous of these young adults, if you got to know them and their life stories. And you know what, on reflection of the experience / series I can only recall one real time waster, and thats obvious from the first episode. By the end of the series you could really tell the people that had changed and learnt from the experience.
But in reality I think its a stereotypical (be it pre-conceived, media implanted or whatever) view that people have of this generation of young adults, and that they dont want to help themselves.
But the lesson I took out of particpating is that, some people really are looking for redemption or that second chance, and in reality some people do deserve it. Whilst others just aren't given the opportunity because of the same pre-conceptions that are shown here by the narrow minded few.
And to be really honest with you 90% of the guys I played with in the series didn't even know who Will Greenwood or Scott Quinnell were, as they had never played rugby before, they had to go on youtube to find out!
Anyway the series is a great watch and just gets better as it goes on.
Anonymous April 17, 2010 3:15 pm
^^ Well said. Ignore the Daily Mail readers, the negative comments come from pseudo-intellectuals without a clue how the world works.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sky Sports stole everyones gear just to get some 'good' tv.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sky Sports stole everyones gear just to get some 'good' tv.
jpm April 17, 2010 5:15 pm
Too bad that that kid ran off after his phone was stolen. One day, when he is much older and more mature, he will understand that he threw a golden opportunity in the rubbish.
Youth is wasted on the young.
Youth is wasted on the young.
Sam April 18, 2010 11:03 pm
'^^ Well said. Ignore the Daily Mail readers, the negative comments come from pseudo-intellectuals without a clue how the world works.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sky Sports stole everyones gear just to get some 'good' tv.'
Umm.....I read the Times newspaper actually.....i dont read trash, like the sun/star/daily mail....they are all for football supporters...
Well said jpm
I wouldn't be surprised if Sky Sports stole everyones gear just to get some 'good' tv.'
Umm.....I read the Times newspaper actually.....i dont read trash, like the sun/star/daily mail....they are all for football supporters...
Well said jpm
Simon April 19, 2010 2:46 am
Excellent show. Thanks for posting it. Keep 'em comming!
Prop#3 April 20, 2010 11:25 pm
Fuck me, but that boxer was brutal - he seemed like a top bloke too.
Anonymous April 22, 2010 7:04 pm
Anyone know if you can watch this on the box?
Commenting as Guest | Register or Login