The People Behind the Scenes

Here at the TrueSwedenRugby (TSR) offices, we constantly discuss a variety of topics mostly relating to rugby and Swedish Rugby in particular. It occurred to us that although certain players and coaches are known by quite a few of us involved in the sport, very few of us know about the people working out of the glare of the spotlight. In order for a minority sport to run and try to get established, it needs strong management and guidance, from those behind the scenes. They may choose to let their work do their talking for them and shy away from any publicity, but our view is that those involved with the game should be able to recognize and know about the shakers and movers, who affect and influence our game.

To that end, we have decided to run a series of profiles on them, which will hopefully be beneficial to all, first up is Stina Leijonhufvud.

TSR. How did you become involved in Rugby?

SL.My (younger) sister started playing in the Gymnasium and after a while
thought that I probably should be interested to try it out. I went to a
practice with her when she lived in Barcelona - and the rest is, as they
say, history... :)

TSR. When did you first start playing? 

SL.  summer 1997

TSR.  What position/s did you play? 

SL.  Wing. Have tried all other positions except hooker and scrumhalf with OK
result depending on team status etc, but main position has been wing since
my coach realized I was big but quick (winter 98)

TSR. What Club's have you played for?

SL.  Stockholm Exiles

TSR. Have you won any International Caps?

SL.  Yes, both in 15s approx 6 caps (2000-2002) and 7s (hong kong 2000, EM 2008)

TSR. What has been your best playing experience?

SL.  Playing in Dubai 7s 2000 when I filled in in the Dubai Exiles while on
vacation and we played in the local final in front of 10.000. (and I
missed both kicks on goal btw... :)
There are more exceptional experiences, Hong Kong 7s and some of the club
rugby and tours.

TSR.  Your worse playing experience?

SL.   Getting my knee tackled by England in 7s 2008, resulting in me quitting.

TSR.  What is your position on the Board?

SL.   Treasurer + press- and web responsible.

TSR.  How did you become involved with the administration side of things?

SL.   Have helped the different gs now and then even earlier, and been involved
within the club. While I was on crutches, the election committee looked for a
treasurer and realized I was no longer training every day... They talked
me into taking up the position until 2009, then they talked me in on
standing for election 2009.

TSR.  What are your ambitions for the game?

SL.   More clubs and players all over the country, rugby must develop and we
should start with the youth and junior sections. To have local youth
tournaments as a compliment to the big tournament-weekends as have started
this year i Mälardalen and West is probably an important way forward.
I also believe that the school tournaments could/can be a way for the clubs
to address new players, but we have to work on it...

7s should be played all over the country and all/most teams should be
playing in the 7s SM. Especially important as 7s is included in the
olmpics now. (not that 15s is not important we just have to do both)
We have to have more referees with good qualifications and a positive
attitude to refereeing (includes the attitude of players, coaches and
public)
We have to be much better on the administration and management areas, not
least on the national teams. Currently the ladies have a good structure,
but in other areas there is lack of planning and information. Also with
good planning we ca get the most out of the funds there are, and with good
information we can get press (which might generate funds)

TSR.  What encourages you about the game in Sweden?

SL.  *The women's qualification to WRWC
*New clubs as Umeå, Visby and Aspenäs
*Club development officers being set up around the clubs and they actually
start to have a plan regarding development including recruitment and
retainment of players and coaches.
* The refereeing section that seems to gain momentum, and a plan for
development, under Julian Bevan and Richard Hopkins

We would like to thank Stina for her views and wish her well for the future.