Simplified Rugby

Building the Future of Rugby: Preseason Insights at Centurion Rugby Club

As we enter the second phase of our preseason, the level of commitment from the players has been nothing short of exceptional. With 65 players turning out for the session—close to the 70 from our first—our focus remains on refining ability, fitness, and intensity, ensuring we address the nuances that differentiate elite-level club rugby.

The traditional fitness regimes have been set aside in favor of rugby-specific drills and game scenarios. By designing sessions that challenge the squad’s anaerobic output and cognitive flexibility, we aim to simulate the chaotic, high-pressure situations players face on the field. These environments test everything from accuracy under fatigue to decision-making in unstructured play.

One key takeaway from these sessions is the recognition that many of our players have had the rugby coached out of them. This makes problem-solving under pressure a more complex task, but it also presents an exciting opportunity to reconnect them with the game’s core principles.

At Centurion Rugby Club, we remain steadfast in our belief that the enjoyment of rugby must come first. By adopting a player-centric approach and embedding a sense of purpose in every drill, we’re confident that the players will be prepared for the challenges ahead, not only improving their performance but also elevating the legacy of the jersey they wear.

Our mission is clear: by the end of the season, each player will leave the jersey in a better place than when they first received it.

Maximizing Player Engagement: Lessons from Our First Preseason Session

Last night, Centurion Rugby Club welcomed an incredible 70 players to our first preseason training session. The sheer turnout highlighted the importance of planning and preparation in managing such a large group effectively—and more importantly, ensuring every player left feeling valued and engaged.

Planning for Success

Our coaching team approached this session with a clear strategy: to provide a high-quality experience for every participant, whether they’re regulars in the flagship team or players who haven’t had as much exposure to experienced coaching.

What stood out to us was how much the latter group appreciated the opportunity to experience an environment where the focus was on development and enjoyment. The feedback we received from these players was overwhelmingly positive, showing how impactful it can be to extend elite-level coaching to the entire squad.

Breaking Away from Old-School Methods

One key change we implemented was moving away from traditional cardio routines. Instead, we emphasized ball-in-hand, rugby-oriented drills and games. The goal was simple yet ambitious: maximize engagement while replicating match scenarios to keep things both fun and practical.

We worked hard to design exercises that minimized downtime, targeting a touch rate of 10-12 seconds per player. This approach ensured everyone stayed active, sharp, and involved—no standing around, no wasted time. It’s amazing to see how this shift created a lively, energized atmosphere that players of all levels responded to enthusiastically.

The Power of a Strong Coaching Team

A key factor in the success of our session is the leadership and expertise of our coaching group, headed by former Springbok Jacques Potgieter. Being part of a cohesive coaching team not only ensures that our strategies are well-rounded but also provides valuable mentorship and inspiration for everyone involved—coaches and players alike.

Building Towards a Promising Season

This preseason session was just the beginning. It’s clear that the potential within our club runs deep, and with the right environment and coaching philosophies, we can unlock exceptional performance across all teams.

We’re looking forward to building on this momentum, fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence, and making the 2025 season one to remember for everyone involved in Centurion Rugby Club.

If you’re involved in coaching or team management, I’d love to hear your thoughts: how do you keep large groups engaged while delivering high-quality coaching?

Happy to announce that our Program Lead, Theo Reinecke, will assist Centurion Rugby Club's 1st Team as Technical Analyst and Skills Coach.

FREE RUGBY SESSIONS IN CENTURION | SPECIALIST SKILLS AND KICKING DEVELOPMENT

Join our army, register for 2024!

WhatsApp "Rappie" to 071 493 0202

We have some very special news!

THERE WILL BE NO FEES FOR 2024!

Instead, we are looking for financial partners who will help us remove the economic barriers to less fortunate families, schools and communities.

For more information, please click on the link below:

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PARENTS & PLAYERS
A Beginner's guide to being a rugby parent!

11 November | Irene Oval
08:30 - 10:00 | Free Event

This is going to be a flippen lekker event to discuss what you can expect, when expecting rugby. We will also show you some tips and tricks to help you develop your youngster at home.

Please register using the link below or contact Theo on 071 493 0202

https://forms.gle/ubU69YWb6yqBFyhc7

Unconventional Insights : Palm Up

Passing, one of rugby’s most fundamental skills. At the start of every session, whether one-on-one or small group, I prefer to begin with a little passing drill named “Go Stand There”. It is as straightforward as it sounds : One player goes and stands there, you stand here. You then pass the ball back and forth, once on the left and then on the right, start with one hand only and then two. There is no need for cones, as you start at a distance close enough to talk to each other. Every ten passes or so, take a few steps back. Continue this until you notice the player struggling to reach you, then restart and change the pass type.

During this drill, I like to ask questions to assess the player’s understanding of passing.

How do you distinguish between a spin pass and a still pass?
What roles do each hand play in a pass?
Is a pass a throw or a push?

It is important not to laugh at the player’s answer or to embarrass them. I’d bet that many coaches would struggle with these questions when put on the spot. To help you out, here is my three step plan to ask and listen:

Ask a skill-specific question.
Shhhh
Pose a relevant follow-up question.

Lekker. Now, let’s take a look at the player’s hands. Imagine the player is passing to you from their right to their left. The following factor would for part of my particular methodology:

A pass is not a push, but a controlled throw.
The left hand (in this example) only keeps the ball from falling out of the right hand.
The right arm (shoulder, elbow and wrist) dictates both the power and direction of the pass.
The right hand is responsible for the ball’s shape, angle and height during flight.

When looking at the right arm and hand in isolation and without the ball, imagine a fluid motion from behind the hip towards the ground and back up into the air. The key of this motion is found during the short transition from 6 to 9-o-clock. Your arm should mimic a whip as it starts to bend at the elbow, followed by the wrist and then the fingers. This sequence generates the same speed akin to what my dad would term a “snotklap”. This phenomenon is the essence of leverage, with the shoulder offering long leverage, the elbow providing medium leverage, and the wrist supplying short leverage.

During practice, we place the ball in the player's right hand, aligning the fingers across the ball's width. They initiate the pass by pulling back and executing the full swing, leveraging as we've discussed.

One vital aspect I repeatedly encourage is the palm-up position. Whether executing a still pass, spin pass, pop pass, chicken wing pass or even buying a bus pass, the critical factor is to ensure that your palm is pushed upward as the swing is completed.

By focusing on the palm-up technique, you encourage the ball to rise towards the receiver at a swifter pace, offering an improved shape and angle. As a receiver, I would always prefer catching a ball that ascends towards me, even if it means taking a rib-tackling hit, as opposed to a ball that descends towards my feet, leaving my head and neck vulnerable and increasing the risk of injury.

In summary, commence your passing sessions with a straightforward drill to establish rapport and gauge players' understanding. Encourage a palm-up finishing technique for all types of passes. Remember, it's not about right or wrong; it's about presenting an alternative approach.

Luister, thank you for reading my first post. It will get better, I promise.

Regards,

Theo Reinecke