3 questions for Richard Hunwicks


 
 

Interview with Head of Performance Richard Hunwicks.

The preseason is a key period. Are you worried about the fact you will start the collective training later than usually ?
No, we are not worried about starting later than usual as a team, it’s not ideal but the experience we had with the previous confinements have allowed us to produce what we feel is a strong programme for the players. It's a collaborative effort with video resources for all areas of preparation, Rob Parkinson and the medical staff input on player rehabilitation and injury management, Jono Jones provides strength guidance and Steve McNamara and Thomas Bosc have integrated individual skill into the sessions.

The key for the players is having a structure they can stick to and progress until a time we can get together.

Can you explain us the programme of this pre-season ?
Typically the comprehensive individual running programme from myself covers fitness and skill, speed and agility and positional specific fitness qualities spread over 3 days a week. In addition to individual exercises and home based strength work each player has a lot to do to maintain an optimal physical state.

Having said that, the players have been incredibly professional about the requirements of the Covid restrictions and their physical preparation. Both Steve and myself have a lot of trust in them, they also have a huge respect for the owner Bernard Guasch, and our systems so adherence is not really an issue. Our group is younger this year and that does change the dynamic and type of training that can be prescribed to each player.

We also place a big emphasis on smart recovery methods and each player has purchased a bike as part of their training equipment this year. So you may well see a Dragon riding on the bike paths at the weekend or even ice bathing in the sea!! Of course good sleep and good food are the foundations for the players maintaining healthy weight and lean muscle so we monitor this closely and have weekly check in with players.

You are in daily dialogue with the players. How do they feel ?
So far the players are very motivated and are reaching all the targets required of them. We listen to feedback from them and the experience of players like Ben Garcia and Sam Tomkins does help inform how we plan and prepare them. Training as team will be great when we can but we are making the best of it so we are as prepared as possible when we get to train at Brutus and see the fans again.