This Rugby Muscle Podcast is a chat with Sam Portland, a strength and conditioning expert who focuses on debunking common myths in the world of team sports.
Sam highlights the importance of individualized training systems, touches on the inefficiencies and flawed metrics in current strength and conditioning programs, and advocates for a more holistic approach to athlete development. This episode is a proper chat for those interested in the real-world applications and pitfalls of traditional S&C practices, particularly within rugby.

The Sport Speed System Book:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBRCL9FP

Sam's Socials:

https://www.youtube.com/@SamPortland

https://www.instagram.com/thesamportland/

More From Rugby Muscle
Rugby Muscle 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

00:00 Introduction and Elevator Pitch
01:13 Breaking into Strength and Conditioning
02:07 Challenges and Realizations
06:01 Educational System Critique
09:54 Developing a Training System
16:09 Specialization in Training
21:59 Testing and Metrics in Sports
25:59 Balancing Training and Recovery
33:45 The Importance of Skill Acquisition in Rugby
34:21 Challenges in Coaching and Player Development
36:11 The Role of Strength and Conditioning
37:26 Understanding Player Archetypes
44:48 Ground Zero for Speed Training
49:37 The Misleading Nature of Technique
50:56 The Importance of Intent in Training
55:04 The Role of Speed in Rugby
01:01:39 The Future of Coaching and Training
01:06:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, Kirsten Killfoyle shares her journey from playing in a social team to participating in competitive and national levels.
She discusses the challenges and achievements throughout her rugby career, including overcoming cancer, integrating into a high-level team, and emphasizing the joy and importance of playing rugby. Kirsten also touches on the development of women's rugby in the USA and her ambitions in the sport, leaving a legacy of hard work and growth for future players.


00:00 Introduction and Elevator Pitch
01:47 Early Rugby Memories
05:25 High School and College Sports Journey
07:05 Returning to Rugby and Finding a Niche
09:38 Challenges and Growth in Rugby
17:01 Transition to Competitive Rugby
19:17 Joining the Gray Wolves
23:43 Training and Physical Development
42:48 Nationals and Realizations
45:02 Balancing Rugby and Life Responsibilities
46:14 Stepping Down from the Board
47:52 Finding Freedom in Simplicity
48:50 Returning to Training with a New Mindset
50:00 Embracing Mistakes and Having Fun
56:34 Making the WPL Pool and Traveling
01:01:26 Reflecting on the Season and Future Goals
01:09:05 Coaching and Legacy in Rugby
01:21:27 Overcoming Cancer and Personal Growth
01:28:17 Supporting Women's Rugby and Final Thoughts

Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

Support the show

This Rugby Muscle Podcast welcomes Elijah Taylor, a professional rugby league player known for his time with teams like New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers, and the creator of 'Footy Hacks' on social media.

Elijah shares insights on mental and physical skills crucial for aspiring players, emphasizing accountability, humility, and the importance of positive influences.
The conversation delves into how Stoicism aids athletes in handling pressure and maintaining focus. Elijah's dedication to helping young players succeed is highlighted, with advice on maintaining a growth-oriented mindset and fostering good player relationships.

Follow Footy Hacks:
https://www.instagram.com/footy_hacks/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4je87rsMPoyc7FkAz_zewA

Boy Music:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WfdOvZuaABOyuz9ZHDUgQ
https://www.instagram.com/_boy_music/

For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

Our Free Community
https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/


Follow Us on Instagram
instagram.com/rugbymuscle



00:00 Introduction
01:06 Insights and Advice for Aspiring Players
05:19 Challenges and Burnout in Professional Rugby
11:23 Transition to the UK and New Opportunities
13:28 Footy Hacks and Influencing Young Players
26:46 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
31:57 Exploring Stoicism in Sports and Life
35:29 Personal Accountability in Rugby
39:41 Balancing Criticism and Confidence
47:50 The Importance of Humility in Professional Sports
57:32 Challenges in Rugby League and Union
01:03:24 Underrated Skills for Athletes
01:05:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

This episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast dives into three crucial questions every rugby player should ask to optimize their strength and conditioning program.

Expect ot learn the importance of envisioning how you want to play, how to maintain training consistency, and how to examine the necessity of each training component.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these questions to better tailor their training plans, ensuring they build a strong foundation and advance their rugby skills effectively. Additional resources and coaching options are available through Rugby Muscle links provided.

00:00 Introduction
00:48 Building a Strong Foundation
01:48 Question 1
04:53 Question 2
09:33 Question 3
14:12 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Our Free Community
https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/

Rugby Muscle 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/rme-pre

For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/


Follow Us on Instagram
instagram.com/tj_jankowski
instagram.com/rugbymuscle

Support the show

In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, you'll learn about the importance of in-season training for rugby players and debunk common misconceptions. Discover strategies for integrating strength, conditioning, and skill training during the season while effectively managing fatigue.

Practical examples of training splits are provided to help players optimize their performance and continuously improve throughout the year.

00:00 Introduction and Importance of In-Season Training
01:22 Common Misconceptions About In-Season Training
02:42 The Amateur vs. Professional Training Approach
04:57 Year-Round Training Strategy
06:38 Managing Fatigue and Prioritizing Training Elements
11:21 Example Training Splits for In-Season
14:23 Adapting Training to Individual Needs
19:38 Final Thoughts

Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

For The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB


Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

Our Free Community
https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/


Follow Us on Instagram
instagram.com/tj_jankowski
instagram.com/rugbymuscle

Support the show

In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, you'll learn how the science-based fitness industry can overwhelm and mislead athletes, leading to stagnated progress. Where all this information comes from, where the science can mislead and lead to confusion and paralysis by analysis.

00:00 Introduction
02:59 The Problem with the Fitness Industry
04:43 Why Knowledge is overwhelming
07:52 Misleading Science and Evidence-Based Claims
14:44 Practical Training Advice
19:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/


Join Our Free Community
https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/

Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/

Support the show

In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, we revisit an insightful interview with fitness expert Dr. Mike Israetel. Dr. Mike, known for his Renaissance Periodization YouTube channel and various fitness apps and books.
You're going to love it.

The discussion covers practical advice for managing training volume in multi-sport athletes like rugby players, emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfection, and offers tips for fostering a love for training.

Join our Free Skool Community to ask questions before we start charging for access:
https://www.skool.com/rugby-muscle-athletes/about

The Rugby Athlete Blueprint
https://rugby-muscle.com/14DRAB

Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coaching
https://rugby-muscle.com/elite/

Team Rugby Muscle
https://rugbymuscle.programs.app/


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

05:06 Balancing S&C and Rugby Training

08:46 Importance of Keeping Training Records

11:16 Adjusting Training During High-Intensity Periods

14:43 Nutrition Strategies for Athletes

18:28 Maintaining Muscle During Rugby Season

19:56 Real-World Application of Sports Science

24:38 Psychological Aspects of Training and Winning

29:57 Athletes as Machines: Fine-Tuning Performance

32:30 The Disconnect Between Coaches and Sports Scientists

35:06 Consistency Over Perfection in Training

42:09 The Importance of Enjoying Training

51:34 Final Thoughts

Support the show

In this episode of the Rugby Muscle Podcast, Sean Kilfoyle, a high level player from the US joins the podcast.
Expect to understand the discovery of S&C, the difference it can make in rugby performance, and how it differs at differing levels, from being a college kid, to a busy finance professional pursuing a "hobby" to the highest level possible.
Sean really shares his experiences, training philosophies, nutritional insights, and the challenges faced while striving for rugby excellence in the United States. Listen to learn more about Sean's dedication to playing and coaching rugby, along with his thoughts on the growth and challenges of the sport in America.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:28 Early Rugby Journey

04:18 Rugby Aspirations and USA Camps

08:05 Challenges in Professional Rugby

13:35 Strength and Conditioning Beginnings

22:44 Post-College Rugby and Training

27:59 Joining Rugby Muscle

30:24 Biggest Lesson from Rugby Muscle Coaching

33:58 Nutrition Lessons and Misconceptions

43:13 Balancing Rugby and Life

50:25 Future Plans in Rugby

Support the show