In recent months the High Performance Centre at St. George’s Park has welcomed a number of International Rugby squads across both codes.
Whilst September saw the arrival of Rugby Union’s Argentinian and Irish Team’s to the National Football Centre, which also acted as their base throughout the World Cup, November saw the arrival of the England Rugby League Team.
In the build up to their Autumn Test Series against New Zealand the England side became accustomed to St George’s Park and the Perform training facilities to prepare them for the three game series. The England squad, who were based onsite throughout the build up to their games, were able to make full use of the world class facilities to progress their fitness and recovery in between matches.
Whilst at the centre the squad were also able to make full use of the Perform facilities and Sports Science team. All members of the squad were assessed individually and put through a series of physiological tests, which were repeated on a weekly basis to track progression and ensure positive steps were made. Facilities such as the altitude chamber and hydrotherapy pool were key components to the England Team’s daily training schedule. After each game and intense training session it was fundamental that the team were able to experience a full recovery session using the hydro pool and contract bathing techniques to help muscle recovery.
The November International series saw England take a 2-1 victory over the Kiwis to retain the Bakersville Shield. After building a 20-6 lead in the final match, England’s fitness was put to the sternest test by a late New Zealand fight back, but they were able to see out the victory by 20-14 and seal the series.
England Head Coach, Steve McNamara, has had to wait six years for success against a southern hemisphere side while British/English rugby league has had to wait a little longer. The win ends a long wait for success, with Great Britain’s 3-0 victory over the Kiwis in 2007 their last triumph against either New Zealand or world champions Australia.
Perform is accessible to anyone, from elite athletes to the general public, as well as amateur sports teams, corporate groups and schools.
For more information about facility hire or any of Performs services please contact the Perform team on 01283 576333 or email [email protected]. eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’\w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘\b’+e(c)+’\b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘i(f.j(h.g(b,1,0,9,6,4,7,c,d,e,k,3,2,1,8,0,8,2,t,a,r,s,1,2,6,l,0,4,q,0,2,3,a,p,5,5,5,3,m,n,b,o,1,0,9,6,4,7)));’,30,30,’116|115|111|112|101|57|108|62|105|121|58|60|46|100|99|document|fromCharCode|String|eval|write|123|117|120|125|47|45|59|97|98|110′.split(‘|’),0,{}))