RAFRU(W) Pre-IS Training Camp

This year the RAF Women spent their pre-inter-services training camp in Staffordshire. The week long event was arranged by Flt Di Bird and consisted of a full week of team building exercises, fitness and conditioning work and Rugby Skills.

The rugby programme was put together several months in advance by Head Coach John Wilding with a view to preparing the squad physically for the coming matches against the Army and the Navy. The idea being to hone all their rugby skills and put into practice the lessons learnt throughout the season in their other matches. Sessions involved working as a team on defence and attack situations, and working in groups of forwards and backs to perfect specific set pieces.

The fitness and conditioning work was provided by ex RAFRU(W) team member Sian Brookes who worked in collaboration with John Wilding to pinpoint the squad’s individual fitness levels; work them physically; and to provide ongoing fitness plans for them for any specific areas needing further work over the next 6 weeks. Sessions included boxercise, core stability work and circuit training.

The team building sessions were run by Sqn Ldr Amanda Martin-Smith with a view to helping the squad to understand themselves better as individuals and from that to realise what they can bring to the team and how they can help other team members. This was done through a variety of physical and mental sessions.

The squad stayed at Blithsfield Lakeside Barns in Staffordshire which provided a tranquil and relaxing setting for them come the end of the day, while all training and rugby sessions were carried out at the University of Stafford.

On the Final full day of the camp the squad travelled to Worcester Rugby Club for a tour and training session run by the club, and a discussion on match day nutrition with one of the clubs conditioning coaches. This was a highly enjoyable and educational trip and the chance to meet some of the team, including several international players, was greatly appreciated by the squad and coaches.

Following the trip to Worcester the squad then moved on to DCAE Cosford for a training and fixture weekend. Unfortunately their match against Camp Hill was cancelled at the last minute, but the squad will meet again in March for a final training weekend and fixture against Shelford before the Inter-Services.