New to rugby?

Question

i am 43, 6', 240 lbs. and i want to get prepared to start playing in baton rouge in a month (nov)....by the way, if you're with the baton rouge team contact me...anyway, what kind of drills should i concentrate on? sprinting, squats...?

i am a weightlifter so i have a strong upper body. is that enough?

also what kind of equipment do you need? mouthpiece, suit of armor,....?

Answer 1

If you are a weightlifter, you probably have enough upper and lower body strength to be a useful player already - the most important thing for someone who already has strength, however, is stamina/endurance/aerobic fitness and speed.

In any position in rugby, you have to run for long periods of time since there are no frequent stops like in American Football. The fitter players are also usually the better players - they are always involved, and are usually there to catch a pass for the winning try while the other guys are trying to catch their breath about 30 meters behind.

I would recommend focusing on aerobic fitness - start by running 3kms (1.5 miles) a day. After 2 weeks, run alternating 3km and 5km runs every day (eg. Monday, 3km, Tuesday, 5km, Wednesday 3km etc.) Then start doing 5km runs, and later start alternating jogging for 200m then sprinting 50m at full speed, then jogging 200m then sprinting 50m again. The sprints will also help you increase your speed (you can never have enough speed in rugby). Make sure you have good running shoes, and run on a good surface (eg. a flat road) so that you don't get over-use injuries.

Also, if you haven't played before, try to familiarize yourself with a rugby ball (eg, buy, borrow, or steal one) for a while before playing - practice passing, receiving passes etc.

You need at minimum a mouthguard/mouthpiece and a pair of rugby boots/soccer boots.

Answer 2

You'll need a base of aerobic fitness which is achieved by jogging fairly fast but for a protracted period, from there you'll need to move to sprint reps to build up that kind of fitness but really if you want to get on the team, learn how to drink you weight in ale in under 2 hours and sing rude songs and the world's your oyster my friend, welcome to the club.

Answer 3

mouth piece, Cleats, Cup

Squats sprints are good. also do Some squat thrusts(frog jumps) It'll get those legs ready to explode when you need them.