Yes, players are bigger, but that is down to expertise and not because of steroids Rugby union does not have a problem with drugs, certainly not at the top level of the sport. There, I have said it and I stand by it. In Ireland, France and now in England, there has been some recent […]
Transformation of the game in two decades has been phenomenal The physicality of the collisions in international rugby is breathtaking but so too the athletic prowess, as demonstrated here by Australia’s Kurtley Beale, who beats team-mate Israel Folau and Ireland’s Rob Kearney to the ball at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire. One truth […]
Andy Goode is discussing how strength has displaced skill as the foremost requirement in modern academies when he delivers a mightily depressing yet prescient snapshot of the culture within the English game. “I have played with players who have told me they are happiest if they don’t touch the ball once during a game; they […]
World Rugby President Bernard Lapasset welcomes the approval by the IOC membership at the 127th IOC Session in Monaco of the 40 recommendations that comprise Olympic Agenda 2020, a strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement. Lapasset said: “This is a significant moment for the Olympic Movement and World Rugby is delighted to […]
– South Africa win Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens – Blitzboks also lead HSBC Sevens World Series after three rounds – Draw made for round 4 in New Zealand South Africa won their second successive Cup title of the HSBC Sevens World Series, beating New Zealand 26-17 to also defend their Cell C Nelson […]
Pic: Laurent Benezech in his playing days A message to my fellow rugbyman, Alan Quinlan. Mon Cher Alan, It was with great interest that I read your column in Wednesday’s Irish Times. It arrived via email with a cover note from the journalist Paul Kimmage: “Alan Quinlan is speaking your language – he just doesn’t […]
Self-confidence is the belief that you can successfully perform a desired task/behaviour. Confident athletes believe in themselves and their ability to acquire the necessary skills and competencies (both physical and mental) to reach their potential. Self-belief motivates all performance, so remember: “If I believe I can or I believe I can’t, then I’m probably right. […]
Abstract With increasing attention given to the development and implementation of psychological interventions during the sport injury rehabilitation process, there is a need to document the effectiveness of these interventions. The purpose of this review was to summarize the empirical findings of the effects of psychological interventions in reducing post-injury psychological consequences and improving psychological […]