Rugby Fitness Training

eroo

Well,I want to start playing rugby next year and I just wanted to know what I'm getting myself into.Just wondering what sort of fitness programmes rugby teams use.If anyone could post up details of what fitness programmes their team(s) get I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!:)

Colm_OReilly

I'd be of the opinion that CrossFit woud be ideal training for rugby players, because of the attributes it develops - speed, poer strength, stamina, endurance, flexibility, accuracy, coordination, agility, balance; and the constantly varied nature of the workouts are transferable to rugby.

It would appear to me that rugby players require the ability to do everything on the pitch. At some point you're going to have to run, tackle, pass, kick, support, etc, etc.

The notion of following a team's (particularly Munster's or New Zealand's) fitness protocol is sub optimal for two a number of reasons. Firstly, these are advanced trainees, who require longer periodization/finer tuned programs. Secondly, the S&C coaches these teams tend to have are used to dealing with natural athletes, who possess a lot of the attributes listed above in abundance, and would respond well to any training. Most people aren't like this, however. They're novices, really. Novice training means that fewer exercises should be used, and also the need for specialistion (either for weakness or "sport-specific") should not be entered into.

In any program, you shouldn't separate your "strength" and "cardio". In rugby, you are required to exert maximum force while your heart is exploding in your chest.

Of course, the caveat should be added that I don't play rugby. However, if you spend enough time analysing sport as human movement you see the patterns and demands of the sport emerge.

Hope this helps,
Colm