The Rugby Muscle Podcast

Most rugby players don’t need more training hacks they need to get the basics right. I break down the five things that build real rugby fitness... In this episode: 00:00 Rugby fitness is simple 01:31 Consistency beats gimmicks 02:33 Skylar’s Zone 2 turnaround 05:37 The five essentials 06:19 Aerobic fitness 07:34 Strength training 10:51 Speed work 12:48 Power training 15:41 Movement and mobility 17:30 Stack the basics 18:10 Wrap up Get the Rugby Muscle Training Week Playbook Join...

Discover why hybrid training isn't a new trend for rugby players, but rather a fundamental aspect of the sport they've been excelling at for decades! In this video, I get into the inherent hybrid nature of rugby, explaining how players naturally develop a diverse range of physical attributes that make them incredibly versatile athletes. We'll explore how rugby demands a unique blend of strength, speed, endurance, and mobility, preparing athletes for almost any physical challenge lif...

In this episode, I break down why most recovery methods don’t actually work. I explain what true recovery really is, how it ties into your training, and why you don’t need fancy stuff to make progress. In this video 00:00 Intro 01:44 The Modern Recovery Industry 02:55 Understanding True Recovery 04:27 The Three Main Reasons for Recovery 04:42 Training Hard Enough to Make Progress 06:57 Making Adaptations Through Recovery 09:02 Handling the Demands of Rugby 11:36 Integrating Recovery into Tra...

In this episode, I break down why rugby players shouldn’t train like bodybuilders if they want to perform at their best on the pitch. I share the key differences between bodybuilding and rugby training, why strength and conditioning matter more than just looking big, and how to actually train like an athlete. 00:00 Intro 01:27 More Than Just Muscle Growth 02:40 Conditioning is Key 03:53 Functional Muscle Performance 06:25 Managing Fatigue and Training Load 08:13 The Fun and Reward of Traini...

In this episode, I open up about my biggest nutrition mistake as a rugby player. I share how I fixed it and what you can do instead for long-term success on and off the field. In this video: 00:00 Intro 00:40 The Biggest Nutrition Mistake 01:33 Early Struggles with Diet and Training 02:07 The Paleo Diet and Its Pitfalls 04:01 The Cycle of Restriction and Binge Eating 06:37 Breaking the Cycle and Finding Balance 08:56 Flexible Dieting and Long-Term Solutions 10:33 Final Thoughts and Ta...

Zone 2 training changed the way I coach rugby players. In this video, I explain what Zone 2 is, why it works, and how to actually do it right. I cover heart rate, duration, timing etc. If you want better recovery, more endurance, and real match fitness, this is for you. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:27 Heart Rate Spikes and Zone Two 03:49 Overcoming the Hate for Running 05:55 Using Heart Rate Monitors 07:07 Duration and Frequency of Zone Two Sessions 09:21 Zone Two During the Rugby ...

In this video, I break down the 6 key elements every serious rugby strength and conditioning program needs. From heavy lifting and low-level cardio to speed work and proper progression, I share what actually matters for getting stronger, faster, and more resilient on the pitch. Miss even one of these, and you’re leaving gains on the table. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:29 The Importance of Heavy Strength Work 05:38 Incorporating Low-Level Aerobic Work 07:32 Power and Speed Work Esse...

In this episode, I break down the biggest preseason mistakes I see players make. I explain what preseason is really for, how to avoid injury, and how to actually get fit for rugby. I also cover sprint prep, balancing strength and conditioning, and why trying to lose weight now is a bad move. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:58 What Preseason Is For 02:26 Common Mistakes 04:33 Rugby Skills 06:46 Real Rugby Fitness 12:15 Strength vs. Conditioning 13:40 The Weight Loss Trap 15:46 Wrap-Up ...