Advice for a future rugby player?

Question

I'm 15 years old, and play rugby for my club (Bury RUFC) and district (Greater Manchester) - which I am captain of both. In the future, I'm hoping to play county rugby for Lancashire.

I'm 6ft, and about 80kg/12 1/2 stone. I play backrow forward, or second row.

I'm hoping to play rugby at the highest level I can, and would be grateful for any advice. This includes a suggested fitness regime, weights, gym, nutritional etc. Advice from other rugby players concerning general play is also much appreciated.

Answer 1

You'd need to be bigger to be a good forward. If you're good at other skills like tackling, passing and running you could always do good at number 8. Zinzan Brooke was one of the greatest number 8's to ever play Rugby and he was under 90kg. You don't need to be too big to play that position.

As for a regime, do weight training and practise running and passing. Don't bother with kicking though.  Coaches seem to like forwards who are versatile. They also like players with leadership qualities. That's what I know from playing semi-professional rugby for King Country Rams in New Zealand. Mind you, we struggle to get more than 50 people attending our games.

Answer 2

yea im 15 as well and bwt six foot but way about 95kg. Depends on if your fast or fit, big, fat but good training tips are to be a second row or back row forward you have to be fit and know how to tackle. Mainly work on upper strength and flexibility

Answer 3

are you right or left handed?

Answer 4

model yourself on a few players who you would like to emulate(copy)then track them & see if you cant improve yourself with there rugby regime etc. u appear to be on the right track already, altho teams from downunder will test your skills bigtime buddy good luck!!!

Answer 5

You're a bit short for a dedicated lock. Really need height to be a good lock at the highest level.

Broaden and build new skill sets. Ever tried kicking goals? Passing off both left and right  hands while in mid stride.  Play any other sports? Cross training can make you a better rugby player. Ali Williams (Crusaders) played basketball at a very high level, his ball handling skills are super sweet.

Too much footy can get boring.

Even at an intermediate level, being right or left handed is not important - should be able to use both equally well. If you can't, those that can, know you can't . . .

Edit: Matty - Zinny was no stranger to drop kicking. Kicking is all good for any player, even if you don't have the cheek to actually try a drop kick in a game, knowing how to kick will give you an understanding of those that are expected to kick - and maybe help make you better able to anticipate and shut them down.