FAQs

Axe Rugby gym programs are suitable for all senior and junior rugby players with competent gym experience. For players without gym experience our “Rugby Intro to Gym” program is suitable for all ages 14+. All programs have access to Axe Rugby’s video library to provide assistance and exercise instruction. We do recommend supervision for ALL players in the gym under 16 years of age and for those that do NOT feel confident.

Most programs are based off “free weight” gym equipment used in most gyms. i.e., barbell, dumbbell, benches, squat rack, pull up bar, sled. There are some machine equipment exercises such as leg extension and hamstring curl however most programs have alternative exercise suggestions provided.

Our programs are separated into men’s and women’s due to the different injury and performance profiles that each gender tends to experience playing rugby. In general, male rugby players will suffer more traumatic upper limb injuries like shoulder dislocations, and lower limb overload injuries like groin and hamstring strains. Female rugby players tending to suffer traumatic lower limb injuries like, lateral ankle sprains and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Both genders are also at risk of injuries like concussion. As our coaches and therapists have all worked in elite sport, we are also aware of the performance and athlete development demands that occur for both male and female athletes and have these reflected in our programming.

Programs are further semi individualised into forwards and backs due to the different match demands placed on each playing group. Forwards must have a strong fitness base paired with powerful legs and resilient upper body to dominate the contact areas in rugby. Forwards programs therefore have a big focus on developing strong foundational strength with explosive power from static positions.

Backs are required to tolerate a higher average running speed and greater sprint volumes and have the ability to make dominant one on one collisions. To do this backs programs focus on greater sprinting capacity then forwards, and challenge the posterior chain at higher velocities.

Axe Rugby 1-2-1 programs are best suited for rugby players who are. (1) Looking to develop and perform at the highest level of rugby and want an individualised that matches their ambition and suits their needs. (2) Players looking to get help in the rehabilitation of an injury and return to rugby performance. (3) Have a unique set of circumstances with their life outside of rugby and need help in the creation of a plan that suits them best.

The TeamBuildr app is your personal rugby coach. It has your workouts, video exercise library, is a journal that tracks progress like personal bests. To access, download the app from the google play store or apple app store and log in with the details you used to buy your program off.

Axe Rugby programs are flexible and cater to the most serious of trainers and for players looking to get the most out of their precious gym time each week. Programs have a minimum 3 gym days a week which are programmed for 1 hour each, with 1-3 conditioning sessions which are short and sharp <30minutes. The content will depend on whether it is an offseason, preseason or in season program.  All programs have load of optional sessions with core, mobility, recovery, extra conditioning, and even extra weight sessions for those looking for the full pro rugby training experience.

The Axe Rugby subscription program is our cost-effective way to get access to high level strength and conditioning program for less than £1 pound a day.  These programs are semi individualised to position and gender, so you can get a more tailored strength and conditioning experience. The program fluctuates with either the northern or southern hemisphere club rugby calendar. This means you will get offseason, preseason and in season programming without needing to buy a different program.

For Axe Rugby’s subscription programs, yes, you can cancel anytime. During your first month on a subscription program, we also offer a free trial period. To cancel, perform n in-app cancellation with your TeamBuildr app or email our team if you are not able to [email protected]. Once you cancel, you will have access to your account for the remaining time left on your monthly subscription, and no further money will be taken after you cancel.

For Axe Rugby’s one-off programs e.g., 8 Week Preseason Block, we do not offer refunds as once purchased you have the benefit of complete access to all 8 weeks of the program. Please keep in mind that once the 8 weeks of this program is finished you will not have retrospective access to the program in the future.

In Axe Rugby’s 1-2-1 programs we do offer general nutrition advice within the competencies of our trainers and strength and conditioning coaches. However, at this stage we are not offering nutrition advice in our subscription or specialised one.