After falling late last year’s season, a renewed focus on strength and conditioning may have been just what the doctor ordered for the Nedlands Rugby Union Club.
Nedlands have returned to this year’s Premier Grade competition with a score to be tied after winning the minor Premiership last season but failing to reach the grand final.
They have won their first five games of the season and are at the top of the ladder as the only undefeated team, following their thrilling 24-22 win over the Southern Lions over the weekend, coupled with Wests Scarborough’s loss to UWA.
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Nedlands coach Sam Rarasea said that in the wake of last year’s disappointing end to the season, they had endured a tougher preseason in a bid to put them over the top.
“Our strength and conditioning coach Keith Brady sat down with them in November and tried to figure out what’s going wrong with our agility and why guys can’t stay in the park,” he said.
Camera IconNedlands Rugby Union Club has started the 2022 Premier Grade season undefeated, winning its first five matches. Credit: the sports photo
“He came up with a plan and said we would pretty much get fitter and rehabilitate a lot in terms of warming up after games and making sure guys knew what to do with their bodies.
“We’ve been trying to set some goals and get them going in the gym, and we’re seeing the benefits of it now.”
Rarasea admitted last year’s loss to Palmyra was still big on his mind but said the club was determined to make up for it and win the first-grade title for the first time since 2015.
“Speaking to a few players, we saved our worst game for our last game and probably didn’t handle it very well all week,” he said.
Camera IconNedlands Rugby Union Club has started the 2022 Premier Grade season undefeated, winning its first five matches. Credit: the sports photo
“It’s a small factor; we know one game didn’t define our season, but it still hurts.
“It’s been four years since we won a trophy, but Nedlands is a pretty rich or pretty proud club in terms of success, and it’s something that burns in the back of my mind personally as a coach.”
With the club off to a healthy start to the season, Rarasea said it had a trickle-down effect on their reserves and foals, who were also undefeated, and the depth at the club gave him some welcome selection headaches.
“We’re always trying to develop and educate our guys, and guys are pushing for first and even second grade, so healthy competition brings out the best,” he said.
