AboutNick Vujnovich Expertise I can answer most questions in detail but I am best used for "Forward" positions especially the "tight 5" and the scrum. I am a front row guy myself. I have good knowledge of game strategy and tactics. I cannot give detailed help with kicking myself but I can suggest general training applications and point you towards good resources. I am a New Zealander living in Southern California, USA.
With regard to fitness or weight training: please understand that you are best going to a gym and getting first hand consultation from a qualified trainer. The risk of injury is too great for me to simply give you a program without being able to analyze your fitness or capabilities in person.
I really suggest going through my previously answered questions as well. The most common repeat questions refer to tackling.
Experience I have played rugby from the age of 5 (I am 33 now) I have played "Premier" rugby in New Zealand, London, California, Colorado. I have coached youth, Mens and Womens rugby.
Organizations Nationwide Mortgage.
Education/Credentials College Degree
Awards and Honors Forwards MVP 2004 Season Back Bay Sharks, Newport Beach Ca., Division 1.
Question Hi!
I am a 5"8 flanker and am 12 stone. (Is this a good size for an u15 player. [I weight train alot as well as row).
I've got a good side step, dummy and tackle well from behind. I am good at scrumming and am quick off it. Generally hit the 10 or make him trow the ball wildly. I am good at ball carrying and support play. Mostly 1st to any break down. Average in line out, and just above in kick offs. I haven't been moved from openside flanker for 3 years.
My coach wants me to play in the tight five, prop mainly becuase I'm strong. (I can push our prop around all day...and have!) Second row as well for the same reason, i'm strong, but not tall enough.
What can I do to improve my game to get my coach off my back about the tight five. As I said, it is because I'm strong. I'm very athletic. Can do a 30 metre sprint test as quick as the wingers.
What do I do to get my coachs off my back?!
Thank you in advance.
Answer Hi Dom,
It is a touchy one. It sounds like you have the basics down. If your team is loosing due to a weak scrum and you could be the one to fix that then for the greater good of the team you might want to consider playing prop.
If there is another flanker / player who could play in your position just as well or better you might want to again consider prop, you don't want your coach benching you, putting the other guy in your place and leaving the current prop in place.
Another thing, you might just let the other prop win a few. Work with him on his technique and get him better. I will provide some links to help. I am sure the other guy doesn't want to be dropped from prop so getting with him will help.
Play harder at flanker, work on your line out after training with the hooker/locks.
At the end of the day if your coach is calling the shots and wants you on the field even at prop you will need to consider that he is thinking of the team as a whole. A little sacrifice will go a long way. Approach him and volunteer to play prop but demand one-on-one coaching to get your technique perfect for safety sake. Tell him you will do it for the greater good of the team but that you would like to actively train up another player who wants to play prop as that is not your preferred position Ask that you stay on the list as the next best option at flanker. Game time is game time.
Keep in mind that if you want to play rugby into adulthood and you don't grow much more you might be best being a prop. The same thing happened to me and it made for a lot of game time while guys who wouldn't bend sat on the bench a lot.
