The Fiji Times - Thursday, December 04, 2008 7:58 PM
THE Nadi Rugby Union has adopted a new strategy to ensure a succcessful defence of its major titles they won this yeart in the 2009 seasom
It starts during the festiuve season as the Jets begin a comprehensive off-season program focused on power and strength as base work in the defence next year’s Digicel Cup and Farebrother Sullivan Trophy challenges.
The undisputed champs of Fiji rugby under the guidance of innovative coach Iliesa Tanivula, will under go strenuous workouts targtetting Fijian players weak areas..
There will be not much of rejoicing for the Jets in the festive season with training camps on the agenda.
Tanivula says the aim is to get the players active in the off-season.
“It is strength and power that will be the focus during the off season training,” Tanivula said.
“In Fiji players do not look after themselves during this period. They are in party mood.
However, in a professional set up there isn’t much break. You have your days off but then its back to training.
‘We have to step away from the relax culture that we have in Fiji and get on the professional track like the Tier One nations. If we do not adapt this then we will lag behind.”
Tanivula, who is the front runner to take out the Fiji Rugby Union coach of the year award, has had the best season this year.
He guided the Nadi-based Crusaders to victory in the Colonial Cup.
Under Tanivula’s guidance Nadi won the Digicel Cup and then retained the Farebrother Trophy to make it rare double victory.
Tanivula said he will announce an expanded training squad next week.
“The boys will go to the gymnasium three times a week. The lack of upper body strength has been a drawback in Fiji rugby for sometime. We need to start addressing this issue," Tanivula said.
"The boys will be subjected to weight training first before they hit the road for the long distance endurance sessions.”
Tanivula a former secondary schools sprinter made his name in rugby by playing Super rugby with the Brumbies, Blues and Highlanders.
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Thursday, January 8th 2009 at 3:14PM
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