It is important to avoid short frantic preseason fitness programs because the risk of injury is at its highest at this time. A gradual build up over the summer months enables fitness gains to be made without so much pain and with less injury. Try it, or consult someone who can help you out. It is important to get a blend that suits your priorities and the time you have available.

Try to do some of the sessions with a few teammates, but first have a break. Let your body and psyche recover from a hard season. Club training will start in August, which gives 4 weeks until the first friendly before the league starts in September. These time-scales requires basic fitness levels to be obtained prior to club pre-season training.

Periodization

The physical demands of rugby vary depending on the control of play, the athlete's position, environmental conditions and other unforeseen variables. Therefore, taking a methodical and scientific approach to conditioning is vital.