The physiological demands of rugby are multidimensional,
requiring the players to have high levels of muscular strength, power, hypertrophy,
and endurance (Evans et al., 2010). Furthermore, a rugby player performs
various high and low intensity activities utilising different muscle groups
during numerous unidirectional, multidirectional and rotational body movements (sprinting,
jogging, and making tackles) and
limb movement patterns (grabbing, pushing, kicking, and passing) in frequent
bouts (Gabbett, 2002). The majority of these movements originate from a
semi-crouched ‘athletic’ position with many joints flexed in preparation to
make a tackle with power or an explosive run through defenders.
The most heavily recruited muscles in contact sports
similar to rugby, in no specific order, are the elbow extensors and flexors
(triceps and biceps brachii), shoulder abductors, elevators, and protractors
(deltoids and trapezius), shoulder extensors and adductors (latissimus dorsi),
hip and thigh extensors (gluteals, hamstrings), knee extensors (quadriceps), and
ankle plantar flexors (soleus, gastrocnemius)(Baeche & Earle, 2008).
Due to the contact nature of rugby there is an added risk
in suffering injuries compared to other team sports. Common injuries include; thigh
/ calf haematomas, shoulder & ankle sprains, knee and cervical facet joints
injuries (Brooks et al., 2003).
Evaluation
of the athlete
The athlete is currently free of injury but has sustained
three lateral ankle sprains to the left ankle in the last 18 months. The
athlete is currently in the start of the off-season and is an advanced weight
lifter experienced with free-weights and resistance machines, and is used to
lifting heavy loads with good technique (although is not training at present).
The athlete often deviates from prescribed training programmes due to lack of
interest or boredom of exercises and routines.
With regards to movement assessments the athlete
performed very well on basic strength and reactive tests, as well as agility
drills, demonstrating good technique and footwork. The athlete struggled with
transitions during agility drills and showed poor balance mechanics on various
drills.
The athlete’s primary resistance training goal during the
initial phases of off-season is hypertrophy, along with power in the latter
phases of the off-season into the pre-season.
The athlete’s secondary training goals are to improve
core stability and proprioception, to enhance transitions during agile
movements and as injury prevention.
