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1. Strength Training in Rugby Interview
Subject 2
Age: 23
Level of Rugby Played: University BUCS League
Position: Back Row
What effect if any has strength training had on your style of play?
Through my increased strength training my style of play became far more confrontational.
Before my strength training I used my aerobic fitness more and played a more defensive game.
However, after increasing my strength I noticed that I became more confident to carry the ball in
hand, and therefore more attach minded.
How do you perceive the physical challenge of dealing with your opposite number in a game?
(Before and after strength training program?)
Before my physical training I would ignore my opposite number and simply play my own game.
However once my physical training was complete, I would specifically seek out my opposite
number in order to exert my dominance.
In your opinion from a psychological point of view, what effect has strength training had?

2. My opinion is that physical strength training improves my confidence when entering into a
game.
In your view, in what way has strength training affected your rugby performance?
I would say that it has had both advantages and disadvantages on my performance. The
advantages where that it allowed me to be competitive at a high level and has also increased the
physically of my game. Additionally I believe that it has also results in me picking up less
injuries and has therefore made my game more consistent. The negatives are that I believe that
my vision, work rate and skill set has declined since the training.
How much do you enjoy the contact aspect of rugby?
Yes I have always enjoyed the contact aspect of rugby, which is important when you are playing
back row.
In the tackle area what is going through your mind when lining up a tackle?
Making sure that I am in the correct position to execute the tackle correctly and smash the player
backwards.
When running with the ball into contact do you aim for a certain area on the opposition player?
I try to run in fairly high and use my upper body strength to bounce the defender off.
Do you ever think at any stage during a game you will get injured?

3. No not whilst I am playing. However I do consider it before the game kicks off.
To the best of your memory have you been injured more or less since your strength training was
increased?
I believe that I have definitely been injured less since my strength training.