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Northland’s
Fijian rugby province.
Northlands
province is situated in the South East corner of the main island
Viti Levu. They compete in the nationwide Sanyo Cup.
How
did I end up working with a team in Fiji?
I was
contacted by Watisoni Ratulevu, the coach of the Fijian Province
of Northland. He was looking for some support in helping his team
raise their fitness levels so that they could compete within the
Fiji National rugby championship (the Sanyo cup).
He
came to me because his team had always finished 11th or 12th and
he was determined to help them finish higher up the table and compete
with the bigger rugby provinces.
What
did you provide for the team?
I designed
and sent through a four month training plan which covered all the
aspects that each team member should do within their sessions. This
included sprint training, aerobic conditioning, core and resistance
work as well as agility and plyometric methodology.
Being
a good few thousand miles from the South East corner of the Fiji
where Northlands are based I could not personally oversee the training
. The coaches of Northland followed the plans to the best of their
ability.
How
did the team benefit from the fitness programmes?
The
result were sensational. Northlands have achieved their highest
ever finish. They came 5th in the championship compared to their
usual finishing position of 11th or 12th place. They also managed
to win the Farebrother cup for the first time in their history.
Northlands
coach Ratu:
“We
finished 5th this year compared from the previous years where we
always finish 11 or 12 of the points table. It was a big improvement
and we made a great achievement by winning the Farebrother Cup from
the Champion team last year.
 This
is a history into the book of Fiji Rugby and to the people of
this province, Great Achievement Ben, I would like to thank you
for
your big support into our team, A Big Vinaka Vakalevu which means
Thank You very Much Indeed.”
The
success of Northlands could have been even better but for the fact
they lost numerous games by just 3 points or less. Hopefully next
season they will take things forwards once more and press for the
Sanyo cup.
Ben,
we are now heading to our off Seasons programme, If u could support
us in sending one of your off seasons Weights Progrmme.
Bye
Ratu”
2009 Update – I got this recenlty from Ratu
“Our team now has been book a place in the top 4 position after 3 yrs of development into the team, we want to thank u for your support, its all from the Management and players of Northland Rugby in Fiji, we hope u will visit us one day, if u need to visit us pse call me before u come to Fiji. ”
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