School Of Hard Knocks 2011 - Episodes 3, 4, & 5

First time i say first!

Bunch of thugs. They don't deserve their shot on TV. Being a scumbag shouldn't give you a chance like this. Pathetic.

Von, they're not out to get 'their shot on tv'. It's not a reality show where they're after fame. They're unemployed, directionless guys. Some of them have degree's and just need a kick up the backside. Why such bitterness?

Great show, thanks RD

Rugger should only be played by yuppies!!

Michael seems like a top bloke

I played representative rugby (Scottish Exiles U21, Hampshire U21, North Of Scotland U18/U15). I played for London Irish in the company of a future British Lion called Rob Henderson - fortunate enough to be coached by Clive Woodward back then for two years. I even played against Scott Quinnell(Llanelli); another future British Lion to be like Will Greenwood. No 'cheap' boasting here; just stating fact. It was needed to illustrate a point so I can emphasise the next.
Despite my faults, narcissism is not one. Any false ego-pride was removed long ago in my life.
I never came from a privileged or rich upbringing. Despite this background gained through rugby alone I still ended up living under a railway bridge - having lost everything for two years of my life. I was in the lowest echelon of society in life.
I know what despair, fear and trials are like on the street as a tramp. Alcohol was my demon in the end. Psychoanalysts might say the 'stresser' was a vicious knife attack in my life but that is nonsense. My misery was self-inflicted. I drank to avoid facing my emotional anger. I was a moral coward. 'Sofa-surfing' to me doesn't count as being homeless. I would eventually progress from police station holding cells to Cat B prisons. I actually preferred prison to life on the streets - less stress. I didn't have to eat from bins or steal from shops. I became desensitised to violence.I began to like it. I had nothing to lose so cared about nothing. Again, this is only stating fact. Nothing is for effect.
The SOHK is amazing and certainly pulls my heart chords. I can more than empathise. I've been as low as you can go. My discipline from rugby never led me into 'pity party' mode however. The SOHK helps restore broken lives. It gives these youngsters a REAL chance to correct their behaviour and develop positive mindsets before it is too late. It gives them a chance they've never had - a chance to develop bonds with 'brothers' through honest endeavour. It restores their pride and gives them a sense of confidence they've never had before. It addresses their emotional immaturity. 'Masks' are removed. What scheme can honestly claim to address all these issues? This is all done through rugby!
The SOHK is saving peoples lives. Nobody has the right to judge in life. Scott and Will are fantastic ambassadors as rugby players, but most importantly, as men to emulate. Role models. The SOHK will bear fruit.
Well done to everyone involved.
Very inspirational.

"They who have conquered doubt and fear have conquered failure." - James Allen

Bobby Brown, great to see the reality of things even here on the site. I think this is the best season of all of them, because they are showing these problems. I have never seen it fair that guys are thrown to the bottom and forgotten where as Hollywood stars make money and press off of their life problems. Things like this should open peoples eyes up, and use our great sport as a medium for understanding the human condition.

anyone else get the impression Will Greenwood is a bully and Pierre is his chosen victim?

Err.....why so conservative Von?!!! Man there were some hits going in there. Maybe this could be a real sweet team!

Thanks RD!! This show is great!

Huge respect to Bobby Brown too!

Why are these boys not playing football....they look that type. poor.

just kidding guys but on a more honest note I think rugby can teach good lessons, but stand alone I don't think their enough to change lives...If anything their energy going into rugby could be going into more immediate problems. Maybe priorities need to be looked at. But that's a social issue we don't want to drag this fun forum into the depths of. I'd far rather watch massive hits> BOOM!

I wonder which poor bloke came up against Scott in the ring; judging by Scott's jersey, he didn't escape lightly.....

Mike,is one of the most respected people on the team,and is a great team player.motivator,and a MASSIVE inspiration to All of them.

One can learn A WHOLE lot from him,since I sure did. [Would Like to meet him in person,as I reckon personally he has the ability to change lives.

@ BOBBY BROWN : All the respect in the world to you my man.Well deserved!!

Is it just me or does Will Greenwood come across as a horrific coach, love Scott though!

@ Bobby Brown, if you're happy to, please drop me a mail at grant@rugbydump.com as Chris from Hard Knocks Rugby has requested to get in touch with you. Thanks

@Von, I thought you were more intelligent, oh well. When you grow up in a depraved area, avoiding "thuggery" is easier said than done.

I think Will Greenwood did the right thing, when you're being given a chance, at some point you have to realize it can be taken away from you. Scott then stepped in and offered him the guy a way back in. I think they know what they're doing.

Rugby is a way of life, not just a game. I've been playing for quite a while and it's helped me through some tough times. You have to know how to learn from it though. It teachs structure, sacrifice, loyalty and courage. They're traits that need to be taken into life. Aggression on the pitch, tenacity off it.

As for Boomtown, well there's videos all over youtube with big hits, knock yourself out(pardon the pun).

Keep them coming RD, excellent stuff to watch.

@Anonymous, April 06, 12.50 - that was Scott's own blood I'm afraid - his cauliflower ear split!

Those waster university brats shouldn't be anywhere near this programme.
Also, people that call the genuine guys a bunch of hooligans. Yes, they are. That's the idea isn't it?
Wonder if this will go international? Would love to see Scott and Will travel to NZ or Oz for a series.

Have to say that Scott Quinnell comes across as a real decent bloke who actually cares , top man

@ BOBBY BROWN - All the respect in the world, hope all has worked out now.

Think this is a great show and both Scott and Will come across very well.

Would agree that the uni boys are stupid, why pass on a chance like this, most rugby player would love to be trained by two British Lions.

Plus at anyone who things the guys involved don't deserve this chance, really??? think you should go back and watch it again, and keeping doing it until it clicks it your head, thats the point... giving them the chance the system isn't

OK BOBBY BROWN, maybe I was a little bit harsh in my original response. Perhaps these guys do deserve a chance.

so pierre is an alcoholic and coach wanted him to get better on the field and said to get a beer and have a talk??