Queens Park Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth has introduced 'haka' training sessions at the club in a bid to “bring the boys together’’ and "enhance team spirit" amid their Championship struggles.
The 49-year-old, who was appointed QPR boss last month, enjoyed great success with Wycombe during a 10-year stay at Adams Park, earning promotion from League Two in 2018 before reaching England's second tier in 2020.
And the Hoops will be hoping his managerial expertise will help them climb the Championship table after a woeful few months.
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So what will he bring to the table? Well, Ainsworth was known for his unusual team-building methods throughout his time at Wycombe and it hasn't taken him long to make his presence known at the club's training ground.
In recent days, Ainsworth has brought an authentic Maori into the Heston facility to talk about the culture and what it stands for.
Bruce Simpson, who runs the Haka Rebuilding Company in London, spoke to the squad about “unity – kotahitanga” and the reasons behind the haka.
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He said: “It’s just being there for each other and being part of a bigger group, not just yourself but everyone around you.’’
But before he spoke to the first-team squad, Simpson announced his prompt arrival in style – and it's a moment that has since gone viral on social media. Check it out below.
Ainsworth opened up about his decision to introduce Maori culture to his players and staff in a video on QPR's Twitter page.
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“It’s not just about sport performances, but about the mental side, the inner side of who you are as a person," he explained.
“He talked about the All Blacks and obviously the connection with how they’ve dominated the world of rugby union for so long with just a five million people island, and that didn’t start happening till the haka got introduced.
“When he talked about what the haka means, I think some of the boys really got an education today.’’
Thoughts on the above clip?
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Let us know in the comments.
Topics: QPR, EFL Championship, England
Jack Kenmare