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The summer might be winding down metrology, but at Occupation Road, the energy is just building up! As I observe the start of pre-season training at Oundle RFC, there's a palpable buzz. For players like Tyler, who I've been observing, this period isn't just about getting back on the pitch; it's about laying down the solid groundwork for a successful, injury-free season. It's fascinating to see how the club builds the resilience needed for the demanding game of rugby.
Why Gradual Progression is Key
You see, rugby's a tough sport – lots of impacts, tackles, and high-intensity bursts. From my vantage point, working with Touchline Performance, I've seen firsthand why a well-structured pre-season is absolutely non-negotiable for performance and, more importantly, for keeping players safe and on the field. The coaching staff, in close collaboration with the physio team, meticulously plans the gradual increase in training intensity. This slow and steady approach helps players adapt, which is key to reducing those early-season sprains and strains. It's clear that Oundle RFC is all about building that robust foundation from day one, making sure their athletes are ready for anything the season throws at them.
The Bronco Test: A Fitness Compass
As with many other clubs, one of the key tools Oundle RFC utilises at the start of pre-season is the Bronco test. It's a fantastic general running fitness test, widely used in rugby, that gives the club a real snapshot of a player's aerobic capacity. I watched as players, including Tyler, pushed themselves through it.
How it works: Players complete five sets of shuttle runs – 20m and back, 40m and back, then 60m and back. The goal is to finish the whole sequence as fast as possible. It's a gruelling sprint challenge that reveals a lot about their aerobic endurance, anaerobic capacity, and even their turning ability.
Why it's so important: For the club, the Bronco is invaluable. These initial results help gauge baseline fitness, identify any weaknesses in a player's profile, and crucially, highlight potential injury risks. Before any testing, the club ensures a thorough consultation is conducted with each player to check for existing injuries and understand their off-season routine – safety first, always. This data allows the coaching staff to tailor individual training plans, ensuring they increase workload gradually and safely, preventing overload injuries.
And it's not a one-and-done deal! The Bronco test is typically re-administered again before warm-up friendly matches. This second test shows how well players like Tyler have responded to the training block and confirms their match readiness. It’s all about fine-tuning their preparation for the competitive season ahead.
Oundle RFC: Ready for a Season of Firsts!
Beyond the individual player journeys, there’s a real buzz around our club, Oundle RFC, this year, and for good reason!
1XV on the Ascent! Our First XV has earned a fantastic promotion to National League 2 East for the 2025/26 season! This puts our top side at Tier 4 of the English rugby system, a massive achievement that speaks volumes about the hard work everyone’s put in. They're kicking off their National League adventure at home against Havant – get ready for some exciting rugby!
2XV Holding Strong: Our Second XV will continue to compete at Level 8 in an East Midlands League. This is such a vital pathway for developing talent and keeping competitive rugby going strong within the club.
U23s in the Merit League: The U23 squad is also set for a big season, competing in a Merit League. This is crucial for bridging the gap between youth rugby and our senior teams, giving our emerging players valuable game time and development opportunities.
Women's Team Makes History! And in truly exciting news, our Women's team is entering a league for the very first time this season! This is a huge step forward for inclusivity and growth at Oundle RFC, and we can't wait to see them in action. Rugby's popularity among female athletes is soaring, and the club prides itself on being an "all inclusive, family centred rugby club".
The Club's Commitment: Player Welfare, Always.
From my perspective, it's evident that Oundle RFC's commitment to player welfare goes beyond just treating injuries. The club's staff are constantly monitoring player loads, recovery, and overall well-being. They provide tailored advice, rehab programs, and preventative strategies, from targeted strength work to proper warm-ups and recovery techniques like rehydration and cool-downs. The club also ensures its training environment is safe, with well-maintained pitches and access to medical support. It's all about empowering their players with the knowledge to stay safe and perform at their best.
This season promises to be one of growth, excitement, and success across the board for all the teams at Oundle RFC. Watching players like Tyler put in the hard yards, it's clear the dedication is there. With the community's support from the sidelines, I'm sure it’s going to be a season to remember!
Written by Adam Merton