Rugby Weights Training for Power

Weights Training

Weights training for rugby can be very position specific; so here I am going to give typical training exercises that rugby players of all positions can perform. Within season weights training may be only limited to 2 days a week and therefore multiple body areas need to be targeted so that all muscles are fully trained. Dynamic, compound exercises like squats and bench press should be in every rugby players training routine. Off-season weights training can be performed more often but the dynamic exercises should always be performed.

Squats - View

These are good for all rugby players especially the forwards and should be performed in a pyramid fashion with 4 sets. The final set should be 2-3 reps of maximum weight.

Side-Step Squats - View

These are similar to lunges except that you lunge at a 45% angle. This strengthens the groin and the inner quads, which are crucial for a powerful, quick side step. For this exercise you should not use a heavy weight to begin with as injury is commonly associated with this exercise. Use a light weight and gradually build up. 3 working sets of 10-15 reps would be adequate with this exercise.


Deadlifts - View

A classic exercise for every rugby player, which provides good back and hamstring strength as well as maintaining your core stability. Like the squats, dead lifts should be performed by a pyramids fashion with 4 sets to a 2-3 rep final set.


Power Cleans - View

This is an excellent exercise for raw power. Mastering the power clean can be fairly hard and therefore light weight exercises should be performed in order to gain sound technique. 4 sets of 10-12 reps creates good power and muscular endurance.



Bench Press - View

A strong upper body is paramount for every rugby player and no better exercise can give you a strong upper body than the bench press. 4 sets pyramid fashion to a 2-3 rep final set.



Seated Military Press - View

Strong shoulders enable a rugby player to powerfully ruck, maul, scrummage and lift. Solid shoulders also help a rugby player to tackle harder and make contact more dynamically. The military press can be performed either dumbbell or barbell in a pyramid fashion with 4 sets to a 2-3 rep final set.