Rugby Union

from 2021 IAS Annual Report

Netball Umpires

RUGBY UNION REPORT 2021

The IAS Rugby Union Program was designed to support the developmental needs of the region’s young talented rugby players by providing industry leading high-performance sport developmental programs. The program is targeted for the off season, leading into representative programs. The main goals of the program is to increase the core rugby skills of the athletes so they could progress to Illawarra, NSW Country and ultimately NSW Gen Blue representation. The aim is to provide a targeted physical performance program, and offer increased education around sport psychology, nutrition, media skills and other life skills for their athletic development.

Each session was often broken into half, with one half undertaking strength and conditioning and the other half skill based technical work. This would then be followed by activities to maintain and improve core skills such as tackle contest, tackle technique, passing and body shape.

The 2020/21 Rugby Union squad was made up of 36 athletes both male and female. The squad began training in October and had their last run in March. During this time the athletes trained weekly under the guidance of four coaches, as well as regular strength and conditioning sessions. They also had sprint training sessions, focusing on how small changes result in big improvements.

In early 2021, the athletes were given the opportunity to attend an overnight camp in Canberra. This was a fantastic experience, appreciated by the majority of athletes, and an outstanding highlight of this past year. The athletes trained with current Brumbies forwards coach, Laurie Fisher, before utilising a recovery pool. The squad attended the opening round of the Super Rugby season, gaining more insight into where their passion and drive for the game can take them.

Thank you to the coaching staff for their continued hard work and ability to bring new, exciting drills each week. Finally, thank you to the athletes and parents for all your hard work throughout the program, always looking to excel and improve rugby in the Illawarra.