‘Those days are over’ – Andrew Porter sees mental health stigma collapse – Irish Times

If you believe the adage that players are happiest when they play, then Andrew Porter’s cheery voice makes sense. Scoring two tries to win the Test series against New Zealand, which they won 2-1, Leinster finished his five Test matches in Ireland since the summer, including 517 minutes in his ten games (three tries). has taken place underscores the ever-busy schedule. season.

He enjoys playing rugby and has made significant contributions to both the state and county.

Porter has previously spoken about losing his mother at a young age and the mental problems it brought, so his latest work off the pitch is Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) for the school’s program campaign. Making videos is close and dear to him. heart.

Players aren’t automatons and are as prone to anxiety and anxiety as anyone, but one thing that’s thankfully changed is that the fake macho trash that has wrapped rugby like a predicament in the past has fallen into disrepair. is.

Porter explains: [has changed], in the dressing room as well as in public.The whole stigma [in the past] “You’re the man to get over it” was. Those days are over.

“If it’s not okay, it’s okay to feel so. More and more people are embracing it, educated on how to reach out in that sense, and willing to reach out. It’s a must-have skill.

“Mental strength and mental health are things that need to be worked on and cannot be expected to be 100% all the time. They need to be fine-tuned like any other mental skill. In the same way you have to practice, in the past when I was playing rugby it was a big undertaking.

“I am fortunate enough to be in the position I am in now. Whether it’s relationships, family issues, college, etc. Sometimes it feels like there’s an insurmountable mountain in front of you.

“That’s why the Tackle Your Feelings campaign is so important. [It] We give you the tools to climb that mountain. ”

Porter is in a good place. Leinster’s record of 100% at URC and the first two rounds of the Heineken Champions Cup put them in an ideal position, with a weekend trip to Osprey and the final two pools in Europe against Gloucester. If the momentum can be maintained, in race 92 the loosehead prop can realign his focus on Ireland.

Johnny Sexton has recently been reminded that a facial injury sustained against Connacht could keep him out for around six weeks. .

Porter admitted, “It was disappointing to lose a player of such great ability as Johnny,” but successful teams cannot rely on individuals.

“When it comes to Leinster, Gary Ringrose has stepped up incredibly well as captain.

“In terms of outhalves, Leinster have Ross Byrne and Harry. [Byrne], we have so many great options across the board and a lot of young talent in Ireland who can step up. Jack Crowley, Joey Carberry, lots of young people out there. But I hope he doesn’t go out too long because it hurts to lose Johnny like this. ”

[ Gordon D’Arcy: Pecking order at outhalf beneath Sexton about to come into sharp focus ]

Ross Byrne’s temperament is something Porter noted. “Yeah, he was incredibly brave against Australia. The game was on the line, but he did it that way. stepped in for you and it seems he’s never gone. It’s like what Johnny is doing, Laser Focus.”

Porter will board a flight to Portugal at the end of the month as Ireland prepares for the Six Nations and will reunite with Andy Farrell. Those who watched his recent RTÉ New Zealand documentary of his tour got more insight into the character of the Irish head his coach.

Porter said: he is an incredible manager. He will run through brick walls for him. ”

Andrew Porter spoke at the launch of the new video for the Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) Schools program campaign. In this video, he discusses the impact his family and friends have had on his mental health since he lost his mother at a young age. Emphasis on being surrounded by a strong support network.