The Importance of Core Strength

By Kittery Ruiz (Current Brown University Asst Coach & former USA Eagle)

Core strength protects the spines of all of us rugby players and allows for complete control when we are in scrums, lineouts, and any contact situation. The bottom line is that any rugby player can benefit from core strength. A strong core helps one maintain stability, provides control of the body, and allows power to be generated efficiently. Core stability assists in explosive movements, which are necessary for all aspects of rugby.

Having a strong core helped me continue playing rugby after a back injury in 2008 left me with two bulging discs in my lower back. I also went on to compete in two Rugby World Cups. I had a routine of doing 10-20 minutes of extra core work every day. Core strengthening exercises range from sit-ups to planks and everything in between.

Photo Credit: https://coachtalk.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/scrumming/

Here are some great ones to add to your trainings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY5RV41czmY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDdjxMDXSRY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I0Bue18-jM