This Thursday from 6:30-8:00pm GMT, I’m teaming up with Sam Somers, the lead Strength & Conditioning coach for Scottish Rugby’s Caledonia Academy, to bring you an exciting FREE webinar:
đź’Ş “Building Better Rugby Players: Rethinking Rugby Athlete Development” đź’Ş
This is for players, parents, and coaches who want to understand how to train smarter—not just harder—and build the strength, speed, and skills needed to succeed in rugby.
🚀 What’s this all about?
We’re breaking down two different ways young rugby players train—and how these choices impact their long-term success. Some athletes train the “old school” way (think heavy lifting too soon), while others follow a smarter, movement-focused approach. Who ends up stronger, faster, and better prepared for elite rugby? You’ll find out!
⚡ Here’s What You’ll Learn:
âś… Why so many young rugby players make the same training mistakes
✅ How to train smarter—not just harder—to boost strength and speed
âś… The difference between lifting weights and learning to move well
âś… What it really takes to prepare for academy and regional rugby
âś… Simple, practical drills you can use right away to improve performance
We’ll also have a LIVE Q&A—so bring your questions!
đź“… WHEN? Thursday, 6:30-8:00pm GMT
đź“Ť WHERE? Online (join from anywhere!)
🎟 COST? 100% FREE!
👉 Sign up now: Register Here
Don’t miss this chance to train smarter and get ahead of the competition. Here’s a bit more background information for those interested:
Speakers:
Rob Anderson
Rob created The Athlete Academy with the mission to provide world class athletic development and coaching for young athletes. His dedication to improving the quality of youth athletic development is reflected in his recent achievement, winning the 2024 UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year Award for Youth Sport. With over 15 years of experience, Rob has coached emerging youth athletes, including serving 5 years at Scottish Rugby as the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach for two Regional Academies: Borders & East Lothian Region and the Caledonia Region as well as the Under 16, 17 and 18 National Team Programs.
Sam Somers
Sam has worked for Scottish Rugby for 5 years and is the current FOSROC Academy Caledonia Region Strength & Conditioning Lead. Previously, she was a Scottish Rugby Youth Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach and worked for Aberdeen Football Club as a Youth Academy Sport Scientist. Sam studied at Robert Gordon University and was awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports and Exercise Science, and a Masters by Research for her project exploring coaches’ naturalistic decision-making.
The event will be hosted by Dr Nidia Rodriguez-Sanchez (Senior Lecturer, University of Stirling) and Dr Daniel Crabtree (Research Fellow, Aberdeen City Council).
Programme:
18:30-18:35: Welcome from hosts
18:35-19:25 Title: Building Better Rugby Players: Rethinking Rugby Athlete Development
Speakers:Â Rob Anderson & Sam Somers (co-presenters)
19:25-19:55: Open Q&A
19:55-20:00: Closing remarks from hostsÂ
Please contact highlandsportscience@gmail.com if you have any questions about the webinar.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Rob Anderson
Founder, The Athlete Academy
