Okehampton
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Ian Langbridge recently spoke to
Rugby Club Magazine about his positive
association with Okehampton RFC, saying,
“I was born and bred in Okehampton and
started playing rugby at age 13; to be
honest I didn’t particularly enjoy the sport
that much but carried on with some cajoling
and encouragement from coaches like Ian
Ragner and after about three years my
perspective all changed significantly in to
a real love of the game and the sport.”
“I have always been a front row prop
switching from loose to tight head as
the years rolled on, growing up in rugby
through the days when what went on in
the scrum stayed in the scrum. I unofficially
hung my boots up last season having
played for over thirty years at Okehampton
and other local sides but I am still on the
books for the 2nd team.
“I am currently coaching the clubs
under 10s where my son Rafe trains with
and we have a great mix of lads there who
will I’m sure develop into seasoned senior
players over the next ten or so years. As
with a lot of clubs many better players can
be starstruck by the pro clubs who come
with offers of a professional ticket but
although many are picked few are chosen
and this can have a negative effect on lads
not returning to their club for unknown
reasons.
“I have had a great journey at
Okehampton over the years including six
years as club captain and it was great
to see the lads compete so well against
Launceston, our local rivals, recently and
another great south west side. There
is something special about winning a
competitive rugby match whilst being
watched and cheered on by family and
friends with perhaps three generations of
family being involved on and off the pitch.
“My company, Lakeside Care Home,
has supported the club in various ways
over the year’s through sponsorship and
have enjoyed helping out when we can. I
would like to wish all my friends at the club
the very best of continued fun, enjoyment
and success; Okehampton Rugby Club is
truly a great club to be part off!”
72 Issue 83