Episodes

  • This Rugby Muscle Podcast is a chat with Sam Portland, a strength and conditioning expert who focuses on debunking common myths in the world of team sports.
    Sam highlights the importance of individualized training systems, touches on the inefficiencies and flawed metrics in current strength and conditioning programs, and advocates for a more holistic approach to athlete development. This episode is a proper chat for those interested in the real-world applications and pitfalls of traditional S&C practices, particularly within rugby.

    The Sport Speed System Book:

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBRCL9FP

    Sam's Socials:

    https://www.youtube.com/@SamPortland

    https://www.instagram.com/thesamportland/

    More From Rugby Muscle
    Rugby Muscle 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/


    00:00 Introduction and Elevator Pitch
    01:13 Breaking into Strength and Conditioning
    02:07 Challenges and Realizations
    06:01 Educational System Critique
    09:54 Developing a Training System
    16:09 Specialization in Training
    21:59 Testing and Metrics in Sports
    25:59 Balancing Training and Recovery
    33:45 The Importance of Skill Acquisition in Rugby
    34:21 Challenges in Coaching and Player Development
    36:11 The Role of Strength and Conditioning
    37:26 Understanding Player Archetypes
    44:48 Ground Zero for Speed Training
    49:37 The Misleading Nature of Technique
    50:56 The Importance of Intent in Training
    55:04 The Role of Speed in Rugby
    01:01:39 The Future of Coaching and Training
    01:06:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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  • In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, Kirsten Killfoyle shares her journey from playing in a social team to participating in competitive and national levels.
    She discusses the challenges and achievements throughout her rugby career, including overcoming cancer, integrating into a high-level team, and emphasizing the joy and importance of playing rugby. Kirsten also touches on the development of women's rugby in the USA and her ambitions in the sport, leaving a legacy of hard work and growth for future players.


    00:00 Introduction and Elevator Pitch
    01:47 Early Rugby Memories
    05:25 High School and College Sports Journey
    07:05 Returning to Rugby and Finding a Niche
    09:38 Challenges and Growth in Rugby
    17:01 Transition to Competitive Rugby
    19:17 Joining the Gray Wolves
    23:43 Training and Physical Development
    42:48 Nationals and Realizations
    45:02 Balancing Rugby and Life Responsibilities
    46:14 Stepping Down from the Board
    47:52 Finding Freedom in Simplicity
    48:50 Returning to Training with a New Mindset
    50:00 Embracing Mistakes and Having Fun
    56:34 Making the WPL Pool and Traveling
    01:01:26 Reflecting on the Season and Future Goals
    01:09:05 Coaching and Legacy in Rugby
    01:21:27 Overcoming Cancer and Personal Growth
    01:28:17 Supporting Women's Rugby and Final Thoughts

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Support the show

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  • This Rugby Muscle Podcast welcomes Elijah Taylor, a professional rugby league player known for his time with teams like New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers, and the creator of 'Footy Hacks' on social media.

    Elijah shares insights on mental and physical skills crucial for aspiring players, emphasizing accountability, humility, and the importance of positive influences.
    The conversation delves into how Stoicism aids athletes in handling pressure and maintaining focus. Elijah's dedication to helping young players succeed is highlighted, with advice on maintaining a growth-oriented mindset and fostering good player relationships.

    Follow Footy Hacks:
    https://www.instagram.com/footy_hacks/
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4je87rsMPoyc7FkAz_zewA

    Boy Music:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WfdOvZuaABOyuz9ZHDUgQ
    https://www.instagram.com/_boy_music/

    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Our Free Community
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/


    Follow Us on Instagram
    instagram.com/rugbymuscle



    00:00 Introduction
    01:06 Insights and Advice for Aspiring Players
    05:19 Challenges and Burnout in Professional Rugby
    11:23 Transition to the UK and New Opportunities
    13:28 Footy Hacks and Influencing Young Players
    26:46 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
    31:57 Exploring Stoicism in Sports and Life
    35:29 Personal Accountability in Rugby
    39:41 Balancing Criticism and Confidence
    47:50 The Importance of Humility in Professional Sports
    57:32 Challenges in Rugby League and Union
    01:03:24 Underrated Skills for Athletes
    01:05:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Support the show

  • This episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast dives into three crucial questions every rugby player should ask to optimize their strength and conditioning program.

    Expect ot learn the importance of envisioning how you want to play, how to maintain training consistency, and how to examine the necessity of each training component.
    Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these questions to better tailor their training plans, ensuring they build a strong foundation and advance their rugby skills effectively. Additional resources and coaching options are available through Rugby Muscle links provided.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:48 Building a Strong Foundation
    01:48 Question 1
    04:53 Question 2
    09:33 Question 3
    14:12 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    Our Free Community
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/

    Rugby Muscle 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/rme-pre

    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/


    Follow Us on Instagram
    instagram.com/tj_jankowski
    instagram.com/rugbymuscle

    Support the show

  • In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, you'll learn about the importance of in-season training for rugby players and debunk common misconceptions. Discover strategies for integrating strength, conditioning, and skill training during the season while effectively managing fatigue.

    Practical examples of training splits are provided to help players optimize their performance and continuously improve throughout the year.

    00:00 Introduction and Importance of In-Season Training
    01:22 Common Misconceptions About In-Season Training
    02:42 The Amateur vs. Professional Training Approach
    04:57 Year-Round Training Strategy
    06:38 Managing Fatigue and Prioritizing Training Elements
    11:21 Example Training Splits for In-Season
    14:23 Adapting Training to Individual Needs
    19:38 Final Thoughts

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Our Free Community
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/


    Follow Us on Instagram
    instagram.com/tj_jankowski
    instagram.com/rugbymuscle

    Support the show

  • In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, you'll learn how the science-based fitness industry can overwhelm and mislead athletes, leading to stagnated progress. Where all this information comes from, where the science can mislead and lead to confusion and paralysis by analysis.

    00:00 Introduction
    02:59 The Problem with the Fitness Industry
    04:43 Why Knowledge is overwhelming
    07:52 Misleading Science and Evidence-Based Claims
    14:44 Practical Training Advice
    19:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


    Join Our Free Community
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Support the show

  • In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, we revisit an insightful interview with fitness expert Dr. Mike Israetel. Dr. Mike, known for his Renaissance Periodization YouTube channel and various fitness apps and books.
    You're going to love it.

    The discussion covers practical advice for managing training volume in multi-sport athletes like rugby players, emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfection, and offers tips for fostering a love for training.


    Join our Free Skool Community to ask questions before we start charging for access:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    05:06 Balancing S&C and Rugby Training

    08:46 Importance of Keeping Training Records

    11:16 Adjusting Training During High-Intensity Periods

    14:43 Nutrition Strategies for Athletes

    18:28 Maintaining Muscle During Rugby Season

    19:56 Real-World Application of Sports Science

    24:38 Psychological Aspects of Training and Winning

    29:57 Athletes as Machines: Fine-Tuning Performance

    32:30 The Disconnect Between Coaches and Sports Scientists

    35:06 Consistency Over Perfection in Training

    42:09 The Importance of Enjoying Training

    51:34 Final Thoughts

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  • In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, Sean Kilfoyle, a high level player from the US joins the podcast.
    Expect to understand the discovery of S&C, the difference it can make in rugby performance, and how it differs at differing levels, from being a college kid, to a busy finance professional pursuing a "hobby" to the highest level possible.
    Sean really shares his experiences, training philosophies, nutritional insights, and the challenges faced while striving for rugby excellence in the United States. Listen to learn more about Sean's dedication to playing and coaching rugby, along with his thoughts on the growth and challenges of the sport in America.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

    00:28 Early Rugby Journey

    04:18 Rugby Aspirations and USA Camps

    08:05 Challenges in Professional Rugby

    13:35 Strength and Conditioning Beginnings

    22:44 Post-College Rugby and Training

    27:59 Joining Rugby Muscle

    30:24 Biggest Lesson from Rugby Muscle Coaching

    33:58 Nutrition Lessons and Misconceptions

    43:13 Balancing Rugby and Life

    50:25 Future Plans in Rugby

    Support the show

  • Today on the Rugby Muscle Podcast, TJ discusses rugby strength and conditioning with Jake Colley Davis, aka Caradoc Conditioning. Topics include effective training methods, injury prevention, aerobic fitness, and balancing strength with rugby skill development. Practical advice on improving your game and staying fit as a rugby player is shared throughout the episode.

    Join our Free Skool Community to ask questions before we start charging for access:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    More from Jake:
    https://www.caradocconditioning.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/caradoc_conditioning/

    More from Rugby Muscle:

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    0:00 Introduction

    03:20 Jake's Rugby Journey

    06:39 Dealing with Shoulder Injuries

    08:10 Bulletproofing Shoulders for Rugby

    15:32 The Birth of Caradoc Conditioning

    20:58 From Theory to Practice in Coaching

    32:38 Challenges in Online Coaching

    38:54 The Importance of Progress in Training

    39:54 Challenges of Semi-Professional Athletes

    41:14 Training Techniques for Rugby Players

    45:33 Genetics and Training Adaptations

    47:54 The Role of Aerobic Fitness in Rugby

    52:03 Full Range of Motion vs. Partial Range

    01:03:31 The Value of Pull-Ups in Training

    01:06:12 Coaching Mindsets and Weight Targets

    01:12:05 The Bronco Test and Fitness Standards

    01:14:36 Balancing Quality and Quantity in Training

    01:21:03 Challenges for Rugby Coaches

    01:22:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Support the show

  • This Rugby Muscle Podcast is a thought-provoking chat with Fraser Murray aka Coach FMT. Explore the intricacies of rugby training with insights on data-driven coaching, balancing in-season and pre-season programs, and the integration of flywheel technology. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of training methods, optimum recovery strategies, and the importance of personalizing programs for athletes of all ages. Key discussion points include individualizing training, evaluating athlete fatigue, and enhancing long-term health and performance in seasoned players.

    Join our Free Skool Community to ask questions before we start charging for access:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    More from Fraser Murray:
    https://www.rugbystrengthandconditioning.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/coachfmt/
    https://www.youtube.com/coachfmt

    More from Rugby Muscle:

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    00:00 Introduction

    00:53 Online Coaching and Creating Good Content

    18:53 Preseason Training Layout

    28:42 Monitoring Player Fatigue and Performance

    42:59 Understanding Training Fatigue and Strength Gains

    44:01 The Role of Progressive Overload in Training

    44:47 In-Season Training Strategies (Primers)

    46:36 Individualized Training Approaches

    52:37 Balancing Training and Recovery

    01:03:35 Flywheel Training Technology

    01:11:44 Future of Flywheel Training in Rugby

    01:26:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Support the show

  • In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, TJ speaks with Dr. Melissa Davis, an expert in sports nutrition, motivation, discipline, and habit formation. The discussion delves into various aspects of diet and training for athletes, including the importance of habit formation, the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and practical tips for sustaining long-term behavioral changes. Dr. Davis also shares insights from her personal journey and professional experiences, making this a must-listen for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.


    Join our Free Skool Community to ask questions before we start charging for access:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

    01:19 Melissa Davis' Journey into Sports and Science

    02:08 Success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

    03:44 Transition to Full-Time Coaching

    05:30 Evidence-Based Habit Building

    06:24 The Psychology of Fat Loss and Habit Building

    19:17 Importance of Intrinsic Motivation

    51:17 Habit Stacking and Practical Tips

    56:42 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion

    Support the show

  • This Rugby Muscle podcast dives into a Q&A session taken from the Skool group, focusing heavily on powerlifting and rugby training. The host and guest discuss a variety of topics including session timing and format, CrossFit for kids, mindset and performance strategies, and training structure for adolescents. Additionally, insights are shared on optimizing training split across the day, along with a decent level of bants.

    Join our Free Skool Community to ask questions before we start charging for access:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/





    00:00 Introduction and Q&A Setup

    01:13 Podcast Platforms and Audience Insights

    02:44 Rugby and YouTube Algorithm Challenges

    03:44 Fan Reactions and Sports Fandom

    04:54 Q&A

    05:24 Balancing Work, Practice, and Strength Training

    15:07 Mindset and Performance Resources

    25:03 CrossFit for Kids and Teens

    25:59 The Importance of Physical Literacy

    27:24 Gymnastics for Youth Development

    28:45 Basic Movements and Strength Training

    29:59 Building a Strong Foundation

    31:24 Long-Term Athletic Development

    35:03 Balancing Training and Recovery

    37:24 Effective Training Strategies

    43:13 The Role of Aerobic Fitness

    44:28 The Benefits of Napping

    49:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Support the show

  • Beatriz joins the Rugby Muscle Podcast to discuss women's rugby S&C, nutrition and her experience playing rugby around the world and now venturing out into other pursuits including BJJ where she is now a high-level competitor.
    For those that don't know, she is also behind the scenes in many of the weekly operations for Rugby Muscle, if you enjoyed this podcast let us know and we can make her a regular guest and even potentially utilize her in a coaching capacity in the future.
    ENJOY!

    Join our Free Skool Community before we start charging for access:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Support the show

  • Nic Gill joins the Rugby Muscle Podcast for a special chat. He is the current S&C for the New Zealand All Blacks, and has been with them for 15 years at this point including 2 World Cup titles.
    He is also still involved in education, coaching other sports and is an athlete himself, performing amazingly well in Ironman triathlons.

    This was a fascinating chat and you're sure to love this one.

    If you did, please let us know in the spotify comments and with a 5 star review 🙏

    Nic's Rugby Ready program:
    https://www.rugbyready.ca/

    Join our Free Skool Community:
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Support the show

  • Big update for the Rugby Muscle Podcast and Rugby Muscle overall. I think you'll like it

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Join the Rugby Muscle Community for Free
    https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

    Support the show

  • Today's podcast is a conversation with multi-sport athlete and Rugby Muscle member Carrim. Find out his journey that led him from olympic hopeful to a late entry to rugby and pursuing a new path in the shape of Grenada Rugby in the Rugby Americas North competition. Expect to get insights on what carries across from soccer and athletics to rugby, how it feels to be completely new, the struggles of managing a full time job along with rugby, fitness development and extra admin that goes along with it.

    Carrim's story with Rugby Muscle is here:
    https://rugby-muscle.com/athletes/

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Follow Carrim, his progress and Grenada rugby on the instagrams below
    https://www.instagram.com/flashbrowne
    https://www.instagram.com/GrenadaRugby
    https://www.instagram.com/maroonsrugby

    Support the show

  • Today's Rugby Muscle Podcast addresses the crazy link between training for health, longevity and anti-aging and rugby strength and conditioning. Expect to learn the physical, emotional and mental health benefits of not just training to be a rugby player, but being a rugby player.
    I really hope you find this episode useful and if you do, please share it with give it a like, comment and let me know and share it with a friend.

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Timestamps:
    0.00 Introduction
    1.04 What is longevity training?
    2.15 Fundamentals of aging and Mental and emotional health
    3.49 Why train for longevity?
    5.27 Strength Training
    6.36 Cardiovascular training
    8.23 Max output
    9.58 Balance training
    11.55 Mental health
    12.26 Concussions and Physicality
    14.20 Motivation
    15.15 Primal
    16.02 Rugby is the best
    17.27 Mindset

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  • Today Dan Cottrell from Rugby Coach Weekly is back on the Rugby Muscle Podcast, in this episode expect to understand ways to get better at rugby, including improving your skills, technical and tactical abilities and of course your strength and conditioning.
    This podcast also goes into the coaching science in why popular coaches are different from effective coaches, and how you might be able to tell the difference.
    There's also a discussion on the recent guidelines released from World Rugby about the male and female coaching styles and why World Rugby maybe made a mistake.

    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    If you're a rugby coach, check out Dan's site which is a fantastic resource for drills, games, plays and knowledge
    https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

    Support the show

  • If you want to lose fat, build muscle and build an impressive, athletic physique - this episode is for you. Expect to find out the mindset you need to take, what you need to pay attention to for your nutrition, how to organize and approach your training, supplements and much more.


    Timestamps:
    0:00 Intro
    1:09 Mindset
    2:35 Nutrition
    3:08 Tip 1
    4:17 Protein and calories
    7:20 Build Muscle and Lose Fat
    10:14 Training
    11:25 My mistake in the past (regret)
    12:23 How much muscle to gain? And how?
    14:41 Weekly Split
    15:41 Sleep
    16:19 Touch Rugby and Sevens
    17:27 Supplements
    17:58 Plan
    18:41 Motivation




    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/




    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB




    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    Support the show

  • Today's podcast is a chat with fellow Rugby S&C coach Joel Harries.

    0:00 Intro
    1:28 Joel's background
    5:30 Rugby's impact on everyone
    9:11 Making mistakes and getting started
    14:00 Social media rant
    20:00 Biggest difference between amateurs and pros
    29:00 Complexity vs Difficulty getting in shape
    34:20 Working across the spectrum of "fitness"
    36:56 Best split for in-season rugby?
    44:45 In-Season vs Off-Season differences
    51:10 Tracking key lifts
    1:01:14 Tracking too much data
    1:07:21 Wrap up

    Follow Joel on IG:
    https://www.instagram.com/joelharries.strengthsolution/



    Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
    https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


    For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
    https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


    Team Rugby Muscle
    https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

    As an aside - The Podcast server asked to write our show-notes... here they are 😂

    Have you ever witnessed an amateur rugby player's metamorphosis into a strength and conditioning guru? This time on Rugby Muscle Podcast, we're graced by the presence of Joel Harris from Strength Solution. He pulls back the curtain on his personal evolution within the sport, shedding light on the stark contrasts between professional and grassroots training. His narrative is a gripping one, shaped by his family's deep rugby roots and his unabating quest to enhance training approaches across all levels.

    Joel and I get candid about the rigorous discipline required to excel both on the pitch and in life, reflecting on the transformative journey from casual gym-goer to disciplined athlete. We take a critical look at the flood of fitness advice on social media, dissecting how the quest for quick fixes and sensationalism can lead many astray. There’s an art to navigating these waters, and we’re here to chart the course, discussing the need for training regimens that honor the individuality of each player’s journey.

    Wrapping up our discussion, we delve into the intricacies of programming for rugby fitness, stressing the importance of data in driving coaching decisions and athlete progress. It's not just about lifting heavy; we analyze the nuances of key lifts and how they can be powerful indicators of overall performance enhancement. As we consider off-season training strategies and the vital role of setting measurable goals, we leave no stone unturned, providing listeners with a holistic view of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of rugby strength and conditioning.

    Support the show