Welcome back to the Tignes Rugby Academy Diary for Week 1 of the 2017 programme.
Day 1 was all about setting individual and group objectives plus completing core skill and physical assessments. However was also important to start to gel the group, players and staff, to create the bonds to drive excellence across the whole programme.
The daily programme started with an introduction to the coaching & staff team in the UCPA meeting room. This covered the ground rules of the camp and the preparation for the rugby programme. The players listened intently as Philippe explained his expectations of the group as aspiring top rugby players.
Then the players & coaching group moved across the road to the Cantona grass pitch & extension in Tignes Val Claret. The group gathered for the obligatory group team photo in front of the stunning Tignes scenery, wearing their cool red UCPA-branded STC Teamwear tech training t-shirts. The group then completed an intense, focussed session under the direction of coaches Philippe, Johne Murphy, Denis Fogarty & Francois Anne.
After a delicious lunch based around the PSA Academies Nutrition Programme, the players grabbed the complementary shuttle bus to Le Lagon for the UCPA swimming test and some relaxation on the indoor waterslides.
After a quick snack & team meeting in the UCPA, the group were off to Tignespace for physical testing, led by Strength & Conditioning coach Cathal Murtagh. During this session, they got tested in small groups across a range of key rugby movements/exercises. An additional skills development session was delivered for the wider group, run by coaches Johne & Denis.
The chance for a short free time break before dinner, on a challenging first day, was gratefully accepted by players and staff. After dinner (roast pork & vegtables, salads, homemade bread, healthy snacks), the group was back to the meeting room for a breakout session including personal introductions and assigning leadership roles to the group.
No prizes for guessing that there were tired minds and bodies by lights out, with the adrenaline of the first night replaced by a need for sleep after a big opening day to their 2017 Tignes Rugby Academy experience.
Join the Tignes Rugby Academy Diary for the Day 2 review with the expected highlights including a Tignespace Flexibility & Injury Prevention session, a pitch session on Game Management, more classroom focus on development and high performance preparation and a fun, mystery UCPA evening activity!
