Training Resources

When I came to think about what I wanted to put into rugby this year, I was pretty much on my own. I’m not in the National Training Squad, and while the Brumbies ran a fantastic Academy during the off-season, it was a new program and individual support was limited. Having an interest in exercise physiology and being generally a driven sort of person, I put together my own periodised training program based on a whole bunch of research.

I’ve decided to share the fruits of my research and program design efforts. The documents I’ve produced and the resources I link to will be useful for anyone wishing to improve their fitness for rugby.

Note, though, that I haven’t yet had the opportunity to provide customisable training plan versions. The documents I’ve produced are for me, an openside flanker, so the emphasis is on fitness for the backrow. The physiological requirements for other positions, particularly for backs, are somewhat different, but the resources I’ve linked to provide plenty of information and you’ll probably find my plan to be a useful template for your own.

Training Plan Framework

Rugby_Periodised_Training_Plan

The articles I’ve selected are of high quality and will interest those who want a good understanding not only of what to do, but why it is beneficial. In addition, I highly recommend Frederick Claro and Tudor Bompa’s Periodization in Rugby.
General Training Articles

• Information Pack on Physical Conditioning for Rugby Football – McLean
• Rugby Energy Requirements – Brandon

Training specific components of fitness for Rugby

• Aerobic Training Development for Rugby – Claro
• Anaerobic Training for Rugby – Claro
• Speed Training for Rugby – Claro
• Strength Training for Rugby Union – the general preparatory phase – Corcoran

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