The first pre-season session on the 15th of January saw the players undergo a Bronco test as indicator as to where everyone’s anaerobic fitness was at.  Trainer Ben Samuel continues to work closely with the players to ensure this aspect continues to improve.  The Fit60 sessions are also showing in the high fitness levels.

Our pre-season trainings have been opened up for all players to attend.  It has been awesome to see members of our u21s and ladies joining in, along with their respective coaches. We are over happy with the number of players who have been attending and super impressed with the effort all have been giving. In the past two weeks, we have starting phase-one learning on areas of catch-pass, vision and team attack, tackle/ruck and phase defence.  This week saw the first scrum session with Kevin Mealamu. 

Our camp day is set for Saturday 13th February at which ex Chiefs and current Japan RFU clinical phycologist David Galbraith has been confirmed.  This day will also be targeted at finalising a number of the systems and structures we will be endeavouring to play along with those values and expectations the squad will look to live by throughout the season. 

The first Premier pre-season matches are against Silverdale, away, on Saturday 27th February. This will be followed up with a hit-out out, at home, against Northcote on Saturday 6th March.  This day will also see the first run for our u21 team.

To complete the pre-season matches, on Saturday 13th March, both Premier sides along with the u21s, will be travelling to Morrinsville. 

We are also in the process of arranging a game-of-three halves development night with the University rugby clubs from Hamilton and Auckland.  This is planned for Thursday 11th March and will be held at home. 

Overall, the coaches are extremely pleased with progress to date and are impressed with the energy and effort everyone is putting in. 

Anyone interested in joining and being part of this exciting period for the Papakura RFC, please feel free to call me (KP) on 021 567333, or Pat Flavell 022 8821164

Article added: Wednesday 10 February 2021