Core stability is an important aspect of fitness for any young rugby player.

At this stage, speed, agility and endurance are less of an issue.

However one easy way of working on these other areas is by making sure you keep playing lots of different sports.

Even if you've already decided rugby's your game, remember there are many other sports which have cross-over skills.

And it doesn't necessarily mean having to go on long, gruelling runs.

For example, at Harlequins we play a lot of basketball.

Get shooting some hoops

The skills you need, such as handling, agility and communication are the same as in rugby.

Football and cricket also have skills that overlap.

One trick you can try is to mark a dot on a golf ball or tennis ball.

Ask a mate to throw the ball to you but as you reach out to catch, focus your eyes on the dot, rather then the whole ball.

Because you become used to focusing on such a small area, when it comes to catching a rugby ball it will probably seem more like a beach ball!

Go on, try it and see how you get on!

Good luck!

Back to top