August 2023 Rugby Guides – Find a Club and Boost Your Strength

Welcome to the August 2023 archive for South London Rugby Football Club. This month we kept it simple: where to catch a rugby sevens game in East London and how strong you really need to be to hit the pitch. Grab a cuppa, and let’s get straight to the useful bits.

Finding a Rugby Sevens Club in East London

If you’re chasing the fast‑paced thrill of sevens, East London has more options than you might think. Start with a quick Google search for "East London rugby sevens" – you’ll pop up clubs like East London RFC, Barking RFC, and even community groups that meet on weekends at local sports centres. Check their social media pages for match schedules and open‑training sessions.

Don’t overlook community centres or local parks. Many host mini‑tournaments or drop‑in sessions where newcomers are welcome. Walk into the venue, introduce yourself, and ask about trial slots – coaches love fresh enthusiasm. If you can’t make it in person, send a short email or DM saying you’re interested in sevens; most clubs reply within a day.

When you pick a club, look for a friendly vibe and a clear training plan. A good sevens side will balance skill drills, speed work, and small‑sided games. That balance keeps you sharp and reduces injury risk. Finally, pack the basics: a pair of boots with proper studs, a mouthguard, and a water bottle. You’ll fit in faster than you expect.

How Strong Do You Need to Be to Play Rugby?

Rugby isn’t just about brute force; it’s a mix of strength, speed, and mental grit. For most positions, you’ll need a solid foundation in core strength – think planks, deadlifts, and squats. Aim for a weight that lets you lift about 1.5 times your body weight in the deadlift and squat. That level gives you the power to break tackles and stay upright in the ruck.

Upper‑body strength matters too. Bench presses or push‑ups that let you handle a 70‑kg load are a good benchmark for forwards, while backs can get away with a bit less as long as they’re quick off the mark. Don’t forget functional moves like medicine‑ball throws and pull‑ups; they mimic the pulling and pushing you do on the field.

Speed and agility are the other side of the coin. A 40‑meter sprint under 5 seconds and quick ladder drills will make you a well‑rounded player. Pair strength sessions with sprint intervals – two minutes hard, one minute easy – to keep both qualities sharp.

Mentally, rugby tests your resilience. Learning to stay calm under pressure, follow the coach’s plan, and bounce back after a heavy tackle is just as important as lifting heavy. Mix mental drills – visualization, short‑term goal setting – into your routine and you’ll notice a quicker decision‑making rate on the pitch.

Bottom line: you don’t need to be a bodybuilder, but you should be strong enough to hold your own in contact, fast enough to exploit gaps, and mentally ready for the hustle. Combine regular gym work, sprint training, and a positive mindset, and you’ll be ready for any match.

That’s the roundup for August 2023. Use these tips to join a sevens side in East London or to gauge the strength you need for rugby success. Keep training, stay curious, and see you on the field soon.