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
Education/Credentials College Degree
Awards and Honors Forwards MVP 2004 Season Back Bay Sharks, Newport Beach Ca., Division 1.
Question QUESTION: Hi,
I'm new to rugby, and I need advice on getting boots. If it helps you any, I'll
most likely be playing prop or hooker (my league hasn't started practice yet)
ANSWER: Hi Ross,
It makes a difference as to what the fields in your area are like. If you are in a wet area then go for a boot with full sized replaceable studs. If you are in a dry area like me in Southern California I play in molded plastic soccer boots.
As for support the best thing you can do is invest in quality shoe inserts that will support your arches etc. Custom if you can afford it or top quality from a local sports shoe store. I also use the American style foot and ankle support which is like a corset for your ankle, it laces up then has two large Velcro straps. The whole thing supports my ankle and arch. Due to this I rarely use ankle high boots.
If given the choice I prefer all leather mid cut boots with as many studs at the front of the foot as is possible. I try the boot on with my ankle support strapped on and I typically go for Adidas. A good boot will last a while but don't let it go too long as you need proper foot ware in rugby.
Learn to use proper nugget/shoe shine on all leather boots. Clean them after each game then give then a good nuggeting up with Kiwi Shoe polish like an old school shoe shiner would use. Some guys use "dubbon" or non-petroleum Vaseline (petroleum eats stitching) or even bees wax applications on their boots for water proofing in wet areas.
Get the boot to fit length and with properly but also to be snug as leather will break-in and mold to your foot over time.
Don't let other people use your boots. Ever.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the response, do you have any suggestions for the foot & ankle
support
Thank you,
Ross
Answer Here is a link to an example I did a quick search for "Athletic ankle supports" they are common in american football.
