50 22 The pros and cons pads, shields and tubes

50 22 The pros and cons pads, shields and tubes

June 17, 2026 · 8 min · Season 20 · Episode 11

About this episode

Dan Cottrell and Stu James discuss the role of contact equipment in rugby training, highlighting its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Send us Fan Mail Pads, tackle shields and crash mats can be some of the most useful kit in a rugby session, but only when coaches know exactly why they are using them. In this 50:22 episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James discuss the role of contact equipment in training. They explore how pads can reduce impact, build confidence, develop body shape and allow players to enjoy physicality, while also warning against the false habits they can create if players hit them in ways they would never use i...

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Host: Dan Cottrell

Guest: Stu James

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Organizations: Rugby Coach Weekly

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