Robin Motivates Children at His Former School

Robin Motivates Children at His Former School

Cornish Pirates’ winger Robin Wedlake has made a surprise return to Trewirgie Junior School at Redruth where he was educated as a youngster.

The purpose of his visit was to engage with students and help them prepare for the forthcoming Cornwall School Games.

Delighted to welcome him back was teacher David Williams, who said:

Robin was an absolute pleasure to have back in school. The charming lad, with the big smile and pleasant demeanour, has grown into a much, much larger version of the pupil who was so highly regarded in his time with us.

Excellent with the children, he engaged with all of them, spoke with authority and made a significant contribution to our final training session ahead of the Cornwall School Games.

For our Trewirgie children to be coached by an ex-pupil, who is now a professional sports person, was very motivational. At the start of the session, as reiterated too at the end, I made the point that just because we live down here in Cornwall, it certainly doesn’t mean we can’t succeed. Also, as a surprise, we presented Robin with the school shirt he wore when he played for our school team – it dug out from the dark depths of the PE cupboard!

Mentioning teacher David, the keen supporter of the Cornish Pirates is about to step down from teaching to pursue other interests. All will wish him well, as over the years he has inspired many of the children in his care, also bringing many to Cornish Pirates rugby matches where, during half-time, they have relished the chance to play exhibition games of tag rugby.