SaberCats’ Heyneke Meyer on Workout Program: ‘Rugby is a collision sport’

By Aaron Wilson

HOUSTON — Hoisting heavy metal in a controlled, supervised environment, the SaberCats are hard at work after reporting for training camp this month.

The importance of strength and conditioning can’t be overstated. 

Rugby, especially high-level professional rugby, is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world.

As dedicated as the SaberCats are while going through an upper body workout with an emphasis on building strength, flexibility and explosiveness, this is all part of their traditional routine as they prepare for the regular season coming off a winning record last year and qualifying for the playoffs.

SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer, a former coach of the South Africa National team called the Springboks, noted it’s about working smart, not just working hard.

Injury prevention and improved performance are the primary goals. The weightlifting regimen is combined with a nutritious diet along with running, plyometrics, agility drills, flexibility work and recovery methods.

“I think people don’t understand,” Meyer said following a team meeting. “I always say ballroom dancing is a contact sport. Rugby is a collision sport. And the guys don’t have helmets and padding. It’s not about being big. It’s more about being strong. You need to be big as well. It’s more about preventing injuries. 

“If the guys don’t lift and they’re not strong, you can get hurt. It’s brutal out there. I stand there and they brush into me and I can’t walk for a week. It’s the strength in their bodies, so you can take the big hits. You need lifting. You need to be physically strong.”

The SaberCats have recruited several new players, including former New Zealand props Morgan Mitchell, Rob Cobb and Fatongia Paea, fullback Drew Wild and wing Vereniki Tikoisolomone.

With upcoming preseason games against the NOLA Gold (Jan. 28) and New England Free Jacks (Feb. 8) at Aveva Stadium, which are included with season ticket purchases, and a road season opener Feb. 19 against the Dallas Jackals prior to a home opener Feb. 25 against the Gold, time is of the essence as the team continues to prepare for the season.

The attitude surrounding the team, coached by veteran Pote Human, is one of confidence and optimism.

Meyer is also looking for vigilance. He has extremely high standards as far as his expectations from the players’ work ethic.

Simply put, there’s no time to waste. So far, Meyer is encouraged by what he’s seen overall with an eye toward constant improvement. This is the starting point.

“Obviously as a coach and director, I’ve never been satisfied with our fitness levels,” Meyer said. “Obviously, it’s the preseason. We want the guys to be fitter. We want to play at a high level, but last year we had a good run in the playoffs. I also said to the team you have to be humble because every team is going to improve. A lot of the other teams have some good recruitment. We definitely have to improve. It’s tough coming from the bottom of the lot to the playoffs, but now it’s even tougher. Very excited, the guys have worked hard. There’s a lot of work to be done before the first game.”

*Photos by Nick Romero