FITNESS OF NATIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS QUESTIONED

The Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) has raised concern over the fitness level and conditioning of national team players. The Vultures have been in decline at continental level recently, losing to their rival with embarrassing margins. During the BRU Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Gaborone this past weekend, some affiliates raised concern over the conditioning of national team players as compared to the African rivals they often face at continental level. The affiliates expressed concern as the issue of condition often leads to undesirable injuries. In a follow up interview this week, the BRU Sports Development Officer, Fredrick Kebadiretse said the association wanted to emphasise that clubs should take it upon themselves to ensure players are well conditioned. “We often hold courses for coaches on issues like conditioning. However, the coaches rarely have time to implement what they have learnt,” he said. Kebadiretse said it is important for rugby players to frequent the gym. He indicated that they need to follow a rugby specific program. The BRU SDO said frequenting the gym may come at a cost for affiliate clubs. Nevertheless, Kebadiretse said the affiliates can look into gym group rates which will be cheaper for them. Quizzed on whether the lack of fitness was to blame for the decline of local rugby, Kebadiretse said, “There are fitness tests for national team players. If they are not fit enough, they can be given time to go and train on their own. This can even be implemented at club level.” During the AGM, former BRU President, Dave Gilbert raised concerns over the conditioning of local players, “We still don’t do strength and conditioning but the talent is there.” Gilbert said the attitude and the conditioning are still lacking and local players should have the commitment required to play for the national team.