How is training in Jersey different to back home?
Obviously, the climate is different, but the facilities here in Jersey are fantastic; some are even better than those we have back home in South Africa. Taking the team away like this to a small island means there are fewer distractions, and every player can fully focus on training. Of course, Jersey is a beautiful island so everyone’s keen to get out and explore what it has to offer during downtime.
What are the challenges and benefits of training in the Northern Hemisphere?
Every tour comes with different challenges, the main ones being around travel and new environments, conditions or changes in time zones. Getting to the Northern Hemisphere earlier allows us to exit our spring season and enter the colder and darker autumn months. We also try to use all of our experiences together as a squad to develop the way we operate as a team and a management group, so this will be another building opportunity for our group.
“The facilities here in Jersey are fantastic; some are even better than those we have back home in South Africa.”
Andy Edwards
How has the game evolved over the years, and how has training adapted?
The fundamentals of rugby are very much the same, and it remains a game for all shapes and sizes, which makes it such a unique sport. The game continues to grow and evolve in the professional era, which will mainly see changes in how players and teams prepare, allowing for bigger differences in physical development.
What does the average training day look like?
Establishing and following a strict routine is vital to player and squad development. An average training day starts with breakfast, then we’ll kick-off with physical prep, focusing on mobility, activation and physio treatment, before starting our gym session. We’ll follow this up with a snack and team meeting before lunch and a nap. In the afternoon, we’ll undertake a field session, followed by a snack and recovery session. There will be another team meeting before dinner, and then it’s analysis time, before another snack and bed. Consistent training and a well-planned programme are critical for minimising injury.
“Waking up with the ocean in the background is just amazing”
Jesse Kriel
How does the team recover after training and matches?
Recovery will always remain an important part of any athlete’s routine. Individual methods such as ice baths, aqua therapy and massage will be used, but recovery will always be underpinned by two basics: a good nutrition plan and sleep.
How does the team switch off and unwind?
The team needs to switch off and relax at the right times in the week to allow for regeneration – this then helps the players to prepare at the intensity that’s needed to perform on the biggest stages. Everyone is an individual who has their own ways of unwinding, but this could be any usual activity such as golf, sight-seeing when on tour or perhaps just taking time to relax, and catch up with teammates in a nice local restaurant.