IN THE first of a series of conditioning combos put together by Harlequins head of strength & conditioning John Dams, you need to flip over a tractor tyre, jump through…
Taking Part
Develop in-season fitness
THE SEASON is here and the hard work isn’t over, writes John Dams. Don’t get stuck in the gym doing things you’re good at; get on the pitch and WORK…
Step-By-Step Guide: Jack-Knife Roll
IT’S VERY frustrating for a player to present the ball perfectly on the floor – only for an opponent to steal it before one of his own team-mates arrives on…
Wrestling drills for rugby
WRESTLING DRILLS are a great conditioning tool for rugby and help to bring a competitive edge to training. Rugby World fitness editor John Dams, Harlequins’ head of strength and conditioning, suggests…
Step-By-Step Guide: Spin Pass
PASSING AND catching are two of rugby’s core skills, so it’s vital that young players understand that they are passing to team-mates who want to catch the ball, not drop…
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Offload
OFFLOADING IS not an easy skill to master, but get it right and your team will score some sensational tries. Never throw a wild pass or give the ball away…
Step-By-Step Guide: Selling A Dummy
SELLING A dummy – pretending you’re about to pass but then keeping the ball yourself – is a great trick to have in your locker. “There’s no better feeling than…
Build up your strength
HERE'S HOW to make strength gains to benefit you throughout next season, writes John Dams. It’s also time to do some more intense conditioning, and add volume to your training.…
How to perform the Rufus Complex
RUGBY WORLD fitness editor and Harlequins’ head of strength and conditioning John Dams recommends this modified barbell circuit, featuring a number of different lifts, for adding variety to your training regime.…
A masterclass from Jonny Wilkinson
JONNY WILKINSON took time out from his hectic schedule to hold a masterclass with two up-and-coming players in Toulon over the summer. Wales U20 lock Matthew Screech and England U16…