Lesson in leadership
Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt has returned to his old stamping ground in Palmerston North to encourage students to become strong leaders. ‘‘We grow up thinking the world is fair, but it’s not, so you’re not always going to get the results you’re looking for,’’ he said. ‘‘The challenge is to pick yourself up again when you have those days.’’ Schmidt was the guest speaker at Palmerston North Boys’ High School assembly yesterday at the start of the school’s leadership week. He challenged students to be the best version of themselves by focusing on their values. Born in Kawakawa, Northland, Schmidt was raised in Woodville and attended Tararua College, before teaching English at Palmerston North Boys’ High School from 1990. He said he enjoyed being a part of Boys’ High, establishing values that became the starting point for creating goals. In 1994, Schmidt began coaching the school’s first XV rugby team, leading them to successful seasons in 1996 and 1997, before leaving to teach at Napier Boys’ High School in 1998. He informed the students that younger generations, unfortunately, had a reputation for being self-absorbed, but they had a chance to change this. Schmidt said school was a great place for the young men to step up and put in hard work. He challenged them to do something every day for someone else. ‘‘Be it opening a door for someone or picking up rubbish, you’re doing it for someone else because everyone wants to be in a good society and be proud of the environment they live in.’’ Once a wing, playing 29 games for Manawatu¯ , Schmidt said he loved the teamwork involved in rugby. ‘‘I believe rugby is similar to society, where it is about interdependence and us trying to help each other. ‘‘Imagine if everyone in life became the best version of themselves and made life easier for those either side of them.’’ Schmidt had stints coaching Bay of Plenty and as an assistant coach with the Blues before joining Ireland. The Irish rugby team rose to second place in the world rankings after claiming the 2018 Six Nations Championship in March. Schmidt has signed with the Irish union until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.