Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!
Hi IRBcoaching. im a 21 year of male playing lock for a midland 2 rugby team. im after some gym training tips? want to kno how many times i should be training per week in the gym and how to train in the gym.
I coach a 15s team and the players are asking about a basic gym workout, any ideas.
Has anybody got special fitness drills for forwards and backs. What i'm looking at is speed, andurance, .....
Beep test - suggested levels of achievement. I coach at level 7 in England am looking for any data on the average level in beep test that should be achieved by different positions (e.g front row, back row, backs). Does anyone have any data or suggestions?
I am curently helping coach an U14 team, my focus being on forward play and conditioning. As a general rule, for conditioning I only get the lads to work against body weight for resistance training. Some players (and parent?)are eager to get into the gym and start to use weights as means of resistance. Obviously at this age the level of physical maturity of players is vast, boys to men, hence each individual must be assessed. I have done some reseaech which would indicate that the use of weights for 14-15 year old is to be encouraged (Irish RFU), but I am keen not to get the lads into the gym to early. Does any one have and ideas on this subject or can point me to any research to support either idea.
Hello, i am after some help with planning a half hour session in off loading out of the tackle
I was asked a question by email recently and I thought it would be good to put it here as a question for anyone else to comment on%3A Dear sir, I played for 35 yr.s mostly hooker, some back line play. I was tutored in 1972 by former US Eagle hooker Jessie Lopez. We need to stabilize modern era scrums, specifically the front row. The way it's been done forever is wrong. Currently two pressure points come together head to head; and ofcourse the front rows twist amp; turn, left and right, up and down. Thus we are having more injuries with increased focus on scrum strength. FRONT ROWS SHOULD COME TOGETHER CONCAVE AS OPPOSED TO CONVEX. The hookers need to take the under bind on the props instead of the traditional over the top.This technique works much better by dispersing/spreading the impact.Also the hooker being set back about 6 inches is less at risk. If you don't think I know what I am talking about then ask some professionals who serve as the battering ram to try it. Their is a thin line separating safety from serious injury my friend. The way it's done now is time proven to be dangerous. You sir are probably not a hooker or tight head, so go inquire. It might not seem like a noticeable difference, but if it saves a couple people from getting thier necks broke next year - THEN IT BECOMES A BIG DIFFERENCE !! Thanks, Tim Nicodemus Fort Wayne Rugby Club
I am curently helping coach an U14 team, my focus being on forward play and conditioning. As a general rule, for conditioning I only get the lads to work against body weight for resistance training. Some players (and parent?)are eager to get into the gym and start to use weights as means of resistance. Obviously at this age the level of physical maturity of players is vast, boys to men, hence each individual must be assessed. I have done some reseaech which would indicate that the use of weights for 14-15 year old is to be encouraged (Irish RFU), but I am keen not to get the lads into the gym to early. Does any one have and ideas on this subject or can point me to any research to support either idea.
Beep test - suggested levels of achievement. I coach at level 7 in England am looking for any data on the average level in beep test that should be achieved by different positions (e.g front row, back row, backs). Does anyone have any data or suggestions?
I coach an under16s Rugby League squad who are at premier division level, some of whom are lets say not very fit. Does anyone have a good pre-season conditioning plan/session we could slot in once or twice a week to get the lads fitter ?
in more ways than one
The offload is one of rugby's most devastating weapons when executed well, turning a defensive collision into a second-phase attacking opportunity. This article breaks down the technique, timing, and training progressions coaches need to develop confident offloaders at every level.
Defensive line speed is the single most important factor in shutting down attacking opportunities before they develop. This guide explores how to coach your defensive line to push up as a connected unit, communicate under pressure, and deny the opposition time and space.
The teams winning in 2026 aren't taking risks - they're grinding out territory with relentless pick-and-go phases. Here's how to coach it.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.