Rugby union has established itself as a popular sport, particularly in Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, Wales and Italy. Rugby union is also gaining popularity in Portugal following its success in the Six Nations B and its world ranking of 21.
Every professional rugby club is different in their requirements for training camps. Browns aim is to provide the ideal environment to enable both the Management and players to gain maximum benefit from their time away. Every Rugby Manager has a different approach to his training camp. Therefore, custom-made camps are created that are based on individual requests. Preparation is the key to ensuring a training camp runs smoothly. Careful planning, right down to the finest detail, all ensure that any camp arranged by Browns is a success. We take into account the following: training requirements, duration of camp, training facilities, nutritional requests, friendly matches, medical and support network, time of year, leisure facilities.
The climate and facilities at Browns are also ideal for rugby and a number of top clubs have already chosen Browns for their winter rugby training camps. Many teams overall camp training structure has consisted of field activities, player tutorial sessions plus the major factor of team bonding.
At Browns this factor was possible due to the unique concept of having a training camp exclusively for themselves. This allows for a tension –free camp and greater unity.
Within Rugby Union, Browns is pleased to be associated with the Portuguese Rugby Federation and as such have hosted the Portuguese National Teams through various age groups.
TEAMS ATTENDED-RUGBY UNION
Within England’s Guinness Premiership various teams over the three years have visited Browns training centre. Leading teams such as:
- Saracens RFC (visited 2 consecutive years and are to visit in 2007)
- Gloucester RFC (visited in 2006 and are to visit in 2007)
- Portuguese Rugby Federation 1st XV & U19’s
- Iberian/International Vets Tournament (3 consecutive years)
- Official Touch Rugby Festival (3 consecutive years)
REFERENCES
Commenting on the training completed at Browns March 2006, Saracens RFC Head Coach Mike Ford said:“To work with the players 24-7 was excellent… and it was probably the best we have prepared all year.”
Eddie Jones, former Australia Head Coach and at the time Saracens Coach further confirmed this by saying:“Whenever teams have a bad run, any number of things can help change it…..and the Portugal training camp came just at the right time.”
The East Durham and Houghall Community College Rugby Development Course, which is funded by the sports National Governing Body, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) attended Browns in August 2004.
Course Director and RFU Coach Nick Gresswell commented on Browns training centre: “…the facilities have been first class. The pitch is outstanding and the additional facilities such as the weights room have been fantastic. We are then pleased with the effort and commitment of the athletes. The camp has highlighted a couple of areas for improvement as well as building confidence in other key areas of performance”.
