Prop Idol Budgen has new role

By Mark Stevens
27/2/18

Everyone remembers Chris Budgen the player, but now the popular prop is making waves as a coach, training the Estonian national team.

The former Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints forward is fitting the role into his duties while on deployment in the Baltic country.

Budgen is currently stationed with the 1st Batallion The Royal Welsh in Tapa, 80 miles from the Russian border, as part of Nato's Enhanced Forward Presence established to deter Kremlin aggression.

The 45-year-old New Zealander, who made 95 appearances for the Devon club between 2008 and 2013, said the Estonian players have been keen to learn, adding that they give 100% and go 100 miles an hour during their weekly Sunday training sessions.

"It is quite easy to coach because they are so enthusiastic, they just want to learn," said Budgen, who has previously completed tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan. "I think it's a bit of a challenge for myself - getting right back to the grassroots, it is purely amateur out here - but they are so keen."

Among those keeping a watching brief on Budgen's training methods is Estonian Rugby President, Ragnar Toompere, who has described having the prop's involvement as "brilliant".

"I think incredible would be on the insulting side in how (good) it is for us having him coach - it is absolutely brilliant," he said. "I don't think anyone playing at his level has ever been to Estonia, so from that side it is absolutely amazing."