Worcester Warriors Academy have shown they have the talent to scale the heights of rugby – after a special training session at Vertical Limit!
The up and coming stars from Sixways paid a visit to the Indoor Climbing Gym in Shrub Hill where they spent an intensive hour tackling vertical cliff faces instead of opposition players.
Tim Streather, Charlie Fellows, Gareth Morgan, Sam McDonald, Alex Grove, Miles Benjamin, Tom Wheatcroft, Jack Abbott were all shown the ropes before donning their climbing shoes and harness to tackle the steep walls.
Under the watchful eye of Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach Lee Douglas and Academy Physiotherapist Mike Lancaster, the team conquered a traverse wall that tested hand and foot placement.
The Academy members then attempted roped climbs and boulder wall routes with the help of skilled instructors.
“Climbing demands good core strength throughout to be able to hold static positions and move your body across the wall,” said Mike Lancaster. “The climbing helps with injury prevention and the strong grip improves ball handling and grappling skills.
The session at Vertical Limit followed basketball training with Worcester Wolves last week. And coach Lee Douglas revealed he was also planning a visit to an outdoor pursuits venue after the Bank Holiday weekend as the coaching staff aim to keep training fresh.
“The boys really enjoyed the session and at this time of the season we always want to keep them enthusiastic about what they are doing whilst still putting real hard work in,” he said.
“In the last two visits the team have learnt some skills that will help their rugby and the outdoor pursuits, where they will be rafting and canoeing, will also be a real team-building exercise.”
* For more details on Vertical Limit call 01905 613044 or visit www.vlimit.co.uk
