Needs Analysis

Sport Analysis:

Rugby union is known for heavy body contact (Reilly, 1997), working all major muscle groups. Core and shoulder strength is essential for rugby (Corcoran & Bird, 2009). Rugby uses a combination of unidirectional, multidirectional and rotational movements, occurring predominantly during running and tackling. Rugby is an intermittent high-intensity sport, where maximal strength is interspersed with rest (Duthie, Pyne & Hooper, 2003; Nicholas, 1997). Hypertrophy is important for rugby players as power production is essential (Hedrick, 1995). Backs spend approximately 85% of a match at low intensity (Duthie et al., 2003) using aerobic energy systems. When in possession high intensity sprints are completed (Spencer, Bishop, Dawson & Goodman, 2005) utilising the anaerobic pathways. Gill, Beaven and Cook (2006) would suggest the use of compression clothing to enhance post match recovery. Throughout the English Premiership 2002-04 seasons, backs recorded 708 injuries, 464 of which were lower limb injuries (Brooks, Fuller, Kemp & Reddin, 2005). There are high incidences of thigh haematomas and hamstring injuries (Brooks et al., 2005). Tackling causes most injuries (45.1%) with twisting also causing a high number or injuries (Brooks et al., 2005; Fuller & Molloy, 2011). Only a gum shield is needed for protection.

Athlete Analysis:
            The athlete has had many years of resistance training and is now performing at an international level, putting him at an advanced training status. He has many years’ experience in using free-weights and resistance training, so is able to lift heavy weights whilst demonstrating good lifting technique. During his movement assessment, he demonstrated good basic strength, reactive and agility tests. Areas for improvement came up during transitions in the agility drills and he has poor balance mechanics. The athlete will have had finished the previous season during a strength and power maintenance phase and is currently in the off season. The client has sustained three lateral ankle sprains to the left ankle within the last 18 months, but is currently injury free. From analysing the athlete the goals which have been developed for the current stage of their season are as follows:

1.  The primary resistance training goal is hypertrophy due the physical nature of rugby and the stage of the season he is in.

2. The secondary training goal is ankle stability to aid balance and changes of directions. As noted from the movement assessment.