Looking for fresh ideas to improve your rugby game or bring more energy to the club? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find easy‑to‑try suggestions that work on the pitch, in the gym, and at club gatherings. No jargon, just straight forward advice you can put into action today.
First up, training. A common mistake is doing the same drills every week and expecting different results. Switch it up with a "skill‑focus" day. Pick one skill – for example, clean ball handling – and spend the whole session on that. Use small‑sided games that force quick passes and tight turns. This not only sharpens the skill but also mimics match pressure.
Another simple tweak is adding “reaction drills” to warm‑ups. Have a teammate call out a direction, and the whole line moves instantly. It builds agility and helps the brain react faster during real games. Pair this with a short sprint sprint‑and‑catch drill to boost speed while keeping the ball secure.
Don’t forget strength work that matches game demands. Instead of long sets on the bench press, try “push‑up bursts” – three sets of 20 seconds max effort, 40 seconds rest. It mimics the short, explosive pushes you need in scrums or mauls. Finish each session with a quick cool‑down stretch; it reduces soreness and keeps you ready for the next training.
Rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s a community. A fun way to bring more people into the club is a “family rugby day”. Set up simple, non‑contact games for kids, a barbecue for parents, and a short showcase match from the senior squad. Give everyone a role – volunteers serve drinks, kids run mini‑races – so the event feels owned by the whole community.Another low‑cost idea is a joint training session with a local school. Offer a 60‑minute workshop where you teach basic rules and run a few drills. In return, the school promotes the club to its students and families. It builds a pipeline of future players and supporters.
If you want to raise funds, try a “rugby quiz night”. Bring in a few local pubs or use the clubhouse, split participants into teams, and ask questions ranging from World Cup trivia to Carnforth club history. Offer a small prize for the winners – a free ticket to the next home game does the trick.
Finally, keep an eye on social media. Post short videos of training ideas, match highlights, or behind‑the‑scenes of club events. Ask fans to share their own ideas in the comments. This creates a two‑way conversation and keeps the club top of mind for everyone in the area.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or supporter, trying out these ideas can make a real difference. Small changes add up, and the energy you bring spreads through the whole club. Give one of these a go this week and see how quickly things improve.
The scrummage is a fundamental part of rugby union football and is generally seen as a fair and safe way to restart play. However, there has been much debate in recent years over whether it should remain a part of the game, due to the potential for serious injuries. This article looks at both sides of the argument, considering the benefits of the scrummage and the potential risks. It ultimately concludes that, while there are some potential risks, scrummaging should remain a part of the game as it has a vital role to play in the tactics and strategy of the sport.
full article