Rugby coaching tips

RIKUS Goosen from Rugga Skills Rugby Academy offers tips to rugby coaches.

This week the focus is on the second row (The Locks).

“These are number 4 and 5 on your rugby jersey. The role of the second is to lock and push in the scrums. The locks bind together and then bind on to the props to support and push in the scrum. The locks must keep backs straight with spine in line to prevent any injuries. The locks have to be good jumpers and are primary targets at line-outs,” said Goosen.

He said both second row players need to be strong and fit. The props lift and support the locks in the line-out. In the line-out the hooker will throw the ball to the the locks. Teamwork between the locks, props and hooker is very important in order to win the ball.

The locks together with the props and hooker make up what is called the Tight Five.

Goosen said a very important number to keep on your phone is the BokSmart Spine Line 0800 678 678.

“Always play hard but safe rugby!” he said.