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38 MUSCLE & FITNESS JUNE 2016

THE WALLABIES ARE

currently gearing up for a three-

game test series against England,

followed by the Rugby Championship,

where they will face the world’s

best – Argentina, the Springboks

and the almighty All Blacks.

“[We’ve had] players come in from

the Super Rugby programs at the

start of the series in great physical

shape,” says Haydn Masters, Head

of Physical Performance for the

Wallabies. “Physicality in the game

is a priority. [Our training] work

involves collaboration between

the Wallabies program and the

Super Rugby Franchise strength

and conditioning coaches to ensure

athletes enter the Wallabies program

with the required physical attributes

for International rugby.”

Argentina, the Springboks and the

All Blacks all play a fast, wide game,

which means that Wallabies need to

focus on speed and agility training to

prepare for the challenges ahead.

“We base our program of specific

match requirements for positions,”

Masters says. “International rugby

against highly ranked tier one

oppositions requires each player

to perform speed and acceleration

training each week. Tight forwards

and inside backs focus on the

power of the game, and a significant

acceleration capacity. Outside backs

have a combination of high level

acceleration with maximal speed

work over 30-40m repeats.”

The team saw a high number

of injuries last season, with star

players such as David Pocock,

Green

& gold glory

Ahead of an exciting international rugby season,

we take a look at the Wallabies preparations.

TRAIN RUGBY