Rugby Canada LTRD SUPPLEMENTARY SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

LTRD: COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY 1 2 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Introduction

The sevens specific Long Term Rugby Development model implementation guide is an extension of the current LTRD model implemented by Rugby Canada. The aim of the sevens specific model is to inform children, parents, and all other stake holders of the requirements needed to potentially perform in the shortened version of the game.

Sevens is now a recognized pathway to national and international competition, with a World Series and Olympic tournament the pinnacle for sevens players. The document has been produced to provide a specific pathway for players wishing to specialize in sevens and give all stakeholders a formal model to follow.

The sevens specific model presents a road-map, a developmental check list, for coaches to remedy these traditional shortcomings by training players according to the LTRD outlined by Rugby Canada. A series of itemized tables or “matrices” show expressly which player skills and attributes should be prioritized at each stage of LTRD.

Like the full Rugby Canada LTRD the sevens specific pathway is a work in progress and probably always will be. It is based on current knowledge and experience along with available research in areas of physiological testing and human development.

LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 3 A REMINDER OF THE DEFINITIONS OF THE RUGBY CANADA (LTRD)

Technical Capacities Knowledge and understanding of rugby specific skills necessary to play the game efficiently.

Tactical Capacities Knowledge and understanding of the game and application of its principles to achieve goals.

Physical Capacities Knowledge and understanding of the physical components specifically related to maturation and development

Mental Capacities Knowledge and understanding of the psychological skills and strategies related to effective performance

Personal & Lifestyle Capacities Knowledge and understanding of issues related to self-awareness, self-development and establishing a balanced perspective

4 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE What stages of LTRD are considered when looking at the game of Seven’s Rugby in relation to the full Fifteen-Aside game?

As mentioned the Sevens specific Long Term Rugby Development model implementation guide is an extension of the current LTRD model. Rugby Canada believes that the core development capacities for both the Sevens and Fifteens variations of the game are the same for stages 1, 2 and 3. In relation to this the following implementation capacities work from key stage 4 onwards.

LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 5 Stage 4 (Sevens specific) Training to Train 4Phase Appropriate additional Coaching Accreditation in conjunction with NCCP Certification: IRB Level 1 Sevens Coaching

6 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Technical Capacities 8 Backline Attack 1 evasion Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage. with added focus on: • Develop multi directional skills. • Immediate support of ball carrier. • Introduction of depth of first receiver at breakdowns. 2 handling Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage 9 kicking and Catching with added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Passing across the body in both directions at full pace. with added focus on: • Passing from the ground for all players. • Priority for drop kick by all players. • Develop long accurate passing. 10 Defence 3 Contact Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage. with added focus on: • Introduce 1 v 1 contact skills. • Hooker’s role is to cover the left side in defense at the scrum. 4 Maul Skills • Simple inside out concepts explored on defense. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: Tactical Capacities • Ball carrier 1 Laws/Ethics - Establish a strong base and protect the ball in contact. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Primary Support Player with added focus on: - Secure possession and deliver ball. • Sevens laws and specific sevens tournament rules Note: A maul in the 7s game is a last resort and an offload and regulations. or ruck should be the primary option 2 The Game 5 Ruck Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for with added focus on: this stage with added focus on: • Basic tactical preparation - awareness of opposition • Key Focus – Tackler to return to feet quickly to secure ball. and roles in the sevens game. • Introduction to structured competition specific for sevens. 6 sCRum Skills • Identify with positional roles specific to sevens. • Basic Body Position - Safety & Stability. • Develop understanding of body and feet positions and binding. 3 Principles • Put-in and controlled strike of the ball. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Introduce concept of channel to hooker. with added focus on: • Pick or Pass to move the ball from the 3 v 3 scrum. • Pressure - put stress on the opposition within the Note: Scrum technique should be prioritized to most if not parameters of sevens. all players in the seven’s game, as many will have not had previous knowledge in this area even though they may be Physical Capacities established rugby players. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage.

7 Lineout Skills Mental Capacities As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage. this stage with added focus on: • Emphasis on lineout throwing for all individuals. Lifestyle Capacities • Lineout throw linked to half back skills. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage.

LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 7 Stage 5 (Sevens specific) Training to compete 5 Phase Appropriate additional Coaching Accreditation in conjunction with NCCP Certification: IRB Level 1 Sevens Coaching

Brandon Harrison – Alberta Provincial Under 18, 7s Program

Technical Capacities with added focus on: 1 evasion Skills • Develop clearing the ball from the 1 v 1 pressure. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide. • Introduce offload techniques in the tackle. • Develop multi directional skills to create space. 4 Maul Skills 2 handling Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: with added focus on: • Ball Carrier • Passing across the body in both directions at full pace - Establish a strong base and protect the ball. • Continual threat with the ball in hand. - Powerful Leg Drive to maintain momentum. • Spin passing in both directions at full pace. • Primary Support Player • Spin passing from the ground. - Secure possession and deliver ball. • Deep, long accurate passing. Note: A maul in the 7s game is a last resort and an offload or ruck should be the primary option 3A Contact Skills – Defense As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage 5 Ruck Skills with added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Smother tackle (Ball and Player). with added focus on: • Tackle and be first to feet to contest for the ball. • Key Focus – Tackler quick to feet quickly to secure ball.

3B Contact Skills – Attack 6 sCRum Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage

8 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE with added focus on: • Kick offs, short, long and split options. The specifics of the scrum should be a priority of all players in • Introduction of basic sevens restart formations. Sevens and should be taught appropriately • Basic body position. 11B Restarts - Kicking team • Develop understanding of body and feet positioning As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage and specific binding for sevens. with added focus on: • Put in and strike of the ball. • Kick offs to regain possession - short, long and split options. • Introduce concept of channel to hooker. • Introduction of basic sevens restart formations. • Pick or pass to move ball away from a 3 on 3 scrum. Note: Scrum technique should be prioritized to most if not all 12 Support - Attack and Defense players in the seven’s game, as many will have not had previous As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide. knowledge in this area even though they may be established rugby players. Tactical Capacities 1 Laws/Ethics 7 Lineout Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: with added focus on: • Sevens laws and specific sevens tournament rules and regulations. • Emphasis on lineout throwing for all individuals. • Lineout throw linked to half back skills. 2 The Game As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage 8 aTTack with added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Go forward in isolation. with added focus on: • Clearing primary threat (tackler). • Immediate support of ball carrier. • Development of using full field width. • Depth of first receiver at breakdown. • Team and Player profiling to determine basic styles of play. • 3 man attacking unit (ball carrier, support runner, receiver). Fit, fast, physical or skillful.

9 kicking and Catching 3 Principles As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: with added focus on: • Priority for drop kick by all players is essential. • Consistently move ball away from the contact and pressure area. • Chip Kick and Catch. Physical Capacities 10 Defense As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage added focus on: with added focus on: • Rugby sevens specific conditioning. • Hooker covering the left side in defense at the scrum. • Shorter physical game preparation. • Introduce a structured inside out defense. • Periodized training program. • Tackle ball carrier to the ground and contest ball. • Speed Training. • Six man defense. • Pre-habilitation. • Seven man defense. • Correct nutrition to support the 7s athlete. • Defending as a 3 player unit. • Sweeper principles. Mental Capacities • Strong defense in middle of the field. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage. • Defending in zones. • Slide defense. Lifestyle Capacities As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with 11A Restarts - Receiving team added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage Life-balance-coping with pressures with added focus on: • Regional and Provincial travel • Time management responsibilities LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 9 Stage 6 (Sevens specific) Training to perform 6 Phase Appropriate additional Coaching Accreditation in conjunction with NCCP Certification: IRB Level 2 Sevens Coaching

• Clearing the ball from the1 v 1 pressure area. 2011 Canadian Youth Commonwealth Team • Develop offload techniques in the tackle. • Using footwork and body positioning to create weak tackles. • Dominate contact and create space between attacker and defender.

4 Maul Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: Ball carrier - Establish a strong base and protect the ball - Powerful Leg Drive to maintain momentum Link player Technical Capacities - Secure possession and deliver ball 1 evasion Skills Note: A maul in the 7s game is a last resort and an offload or As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage ruck should be the primary option. with added focus on: • Multi directional skills to create space for support players. 5 Ruck Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage 2 handling Skills with added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Tackler to feet quickly to secure ball to dominate the contact area. with added focus on • Passing across the body in both directions at full pace. 6 sCRum Skills • Continual threat with the ball in 2 hands and centered. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Varying width and depth of spin passing at pace. with added focus on: • Spin passing from the ground under increased pressure. • Basic body position. • Deep, long accurate passing to support. • Develop understanding of body and feet positioning and binding for sevens. 3A Contact Skills – Defense • Put in and strike. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Introduce concept of channel to hooker. with added focus on: • Pick or pass to move ball away from 3 player scrum. • Dominate tackle and be first to feet to contest the ball. • Props developing skills to break from the scrum quickly. • High Priority on low tackles. • Develop skills to provide clean ball for half-back to attack. • Closing down space to prevent inside pass options. 7 Lineout Skills 3B Contact Skills – Attack As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: with added focus on: • Full specialization in lineout throwing / half-back role

10 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE • Specialization in Line-out lifting & Jumping techniques. Tactical Capacities - Speed of Jump 1 Laws/Ethics - Advanced lineout variation and lifting techniques. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide or this stage with added focus on: 8 aTTack • Sevens Laws and specific sevens tournament rules and regulations. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: 2 The Game • Introduction of depth of first receiver at breakdowns. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide or this stage with • Introduce correct attacking options for each area of the field. added focus on: • 3 man attacking unit, ball carrier, support runner, receiver. • Go forward in isolation. • Previous passing player to support ball carrier. • Clearing primary threat in the contact area (tackler). • Use of evasive footwork. • Team and player profiling to determine style of play. • Re-alignment strategies. Fit, fast, physical or skillful. • Develop maximum width in attack. • Compressing the attack for space on the outside. • Development of a sweeper system. 9 defense • Penalty plays. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with • Pressure systems and plays in attack to retain ball and added focus on: scoring opportunities. • Hooker covering the left side in defense at the scrum. • Pressure systems in defense to optimize turnover opportunities. • A structured inside out defense. • Effective and varied use of turn over ball. • Tackle ball carrier to the ground and contest ball. • Adaptation to utilize various weather conditions. • Six man defense. • Maximize use of full field. • Seven man defense. • Team composition and profile to cover all facets of the game. • Defending as a 3 player unit. • Develop sweeper principles. 3 Principles • Strong defense in middle of the field. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide. • Introduce defensive strategies for set play. Physical Capacities 10 Kicking and Catching As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with with added focus on: added focus on: • Rugby sevens specific conditioning. • Development of Drop Kicking (Goal Kicking & Restarts). • Shorter physical game preparation. • Chip Kick and Catch. • Periodized training program. • Chip or grubber kick to release other attacking players. • Speed Training. • Strategic kicking under pressure. • Pre-habilitation. • Correct nutrition to support the 7s athlete. 11A Restarts - Receiving team • Recovery Strategies As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: Mental Capacities • Kick off reception - short, long and split options. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Develop specific restart formations for sevens. with added focus on: • Introduce one player lifting strategies. • Pre-match / Tournament preparation specific to Sevens. (i.e. multiple games in a day). 11B Restarts - Kicking team As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with Lifestyle Capacities added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Kick offs to regain possession - short, long and split options. with added focus on: • Develop specific restart formations for sevens. Life-balance-coping with pressures. • International travel. 12 Support - Attack and Defense • Time management responsibilities. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide • International travel. • Continual tournament integration and relaxation. • Time management responsibilities. LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 11 Stage 7 (Sevens specific) Ultimate Performance 7 Phase Appropriate additional Coaching Accreditation in conjunction with NCCP Certification: IRB Level 2 Sevens Coaching

Kelly Russell NSWT 7s Nathan Hirayama NSMT 7s

12 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Technical Capacities • Link / Supporting players - react to the ball carrier and make 1 evasion Skills a decision about the situation (pick, pass, drive). As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: 6 sCRum Skills • Multi directional skills to create space for support players. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: 2 handling Skills • Basic body position. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Precision channeling by hooker with strike. with added focus on • Pick or pass to move ball away from scrum. • Passing across the body in both directions at full pace. • Props maximize ability to break from the scrum quickly • Continual threat with the ball in 2 hands and centered. to attack or defend. • Varying width and depth of spin passing at pace. • Players adept at skills to provide clean ball for half back • Spin passing from the ground under increased pressure. to attack. • Deep, long accurate passing to support. • Maximized power drive to create turnover ball at the scrum.

3A Contact Skills – Defense 7 Lineout Skills As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with added focus on: with added focus on: • Dominate tackle and be first to feet to contest the ball. • Full specialization in lineout throwing / half-back role. • High priority on low tackle. • Specialization in Line-out lifting & Jumping techniques: • Closing down space to prevent the inside pass. - Speed of Jump - Advanced lineout variation and lifting techniques 3B Contact Skills – Attack As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage 8 aTTack Skills with added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Clearing the ball from the pressure 1 v 1 contact area. with added focus on: • Effective offload of the ball in contact. • Introduction of depth of first receiver at breakdowns. • One handed and 2 handed, round the back and outside off load. • Develop correct attacking options for each area of the field • Using footwork and body positioning to create weak tackles. and from set play. • Dominate contact and create space between attacker and • Maximize field width in attack. defender. • 3 man attacking unit, ball carrier, support runner, receiver as a back line. 4 Maul Skills • Use of evasive footwork. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Re-alignment strategies. with added focus on: • Effective use of decoy runners. Ball carrier • Introduce complex attacking strategies. - Establish a strong base and protect the ball. • Total awareness of support by all players. - Powerful Leg Drive to maintain momentum. Link player 9 defense - Secure possession and deliver ball. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage note: A maul in the 7s game is a last resort and an offload or with added focus on: ruck should be the primary option • Hooker covering the left side in defense at the scrum. • Maximize inside out defense to generate pressure and turnover. 5 Ruck Skills • Tackle ball carrier to the ground and contest ball. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Six man defense. with added focus on: • Seven man defense. • Tackler to get to feet quickly to secure ball to dominate the • Defending as a 3 player unit. 1 v 1 contact area. • Sweeper principles.

LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 13 • Strong defense in middle of the field. • Compressing the attack for space on the outside. • Defending in zones. • Development of a sweeper system. • Defensive Strategies from set play. • Penalty plays. • Pressure systems and plays to retain ball and scoring opportunities. 10 Kicking and Catching • Pressure systems in defense to optimize turnover opportunities. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with • Effective and varied use of turn over ball. added focus on: • Adaptation to utilize various weather conditions. • Specialization in Drop Kicking (Goal Kicking & Restarts). • Maximize use of full field. • Chip Kick and Catch. • Team composition and profile to cover all facets of the game. • Chip or grubber kick to release other attacking players. • Strategic kicking under pressure. 3 Principles As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide: 11A Restarts - Receiving team As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with Physical Capacities added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Kick off reception to maintain possession - short, long and split. with added focus on: • Refine restart formations for sevens. • Rugby sevens specific conditioning. • 1 player lift strategy. • Shorter physical game preparation. • Periodized training programing. 11B Restarts - Kicking team • Speed Training. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with • Pre-habilitation. added focus on: • Correct nutrition to support the 7s athlete. • Kick offs to regain possession - short, long and split. • Recovery Strategies. • Refine restart formations for sevens Mental Capacities 12 Support - Attack and Defense As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with with added focus on: added focus on: • Pre-match / Tournament preparation specific to Sevens. (i.e. multiple • Understanding running lines and how they will affect space in sevens. games in a day). • External pressures (Stadiums, Crowds, National expectations). Tactical Capacities • Media responsibilities. • Recovery Strategies. 1 Laws/Ethics As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with Lifestyle Capacities added focus on: As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage • Sevens laws and specific sevens tournament rules and regulations with added focus on: Life-balance-coping with pressures 2 The Game • International travel. As per Rugby Canada LTRD implementation guide for this stage with • Time management responsibilities. added focus on: • Continual tournament integration and relaxation. • Go forward in isolation. • Time management responsibilities. • Clearing primary threat in the contact area (tackler). • Cultural expectation of international travel. • Team and player profiling to determine style of play (Fit, fast, physical or skillful).

14 LTRD: SEVENS RUGBY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Conclusion

The aim of the Rugby Sevens specific LTRD implementation guide is to provide a platform and a pathway for participants to work towards playing the abbreviated format of the game. The guide is, at it states, a guide and a starting point for the development of individualized player specific programs that will give all stakeholders a clearly defined path to follow.

Both of the implementation guides are very similar in many aspects as the fundamentals of rugby are apparent in both sevens and fifteens variations of the game. The sevens LTRD guide is aimed at providing players who have a desire to concentrate and specialize in the abbreviated form of the game every opportunity to succeed. Although specialization in the sevens game can happen it is important to acknowledge that players, officials and coaches can undertake both effectively and both versions have a close relationship that work with each other not against one another.

Acknowledgements

Canadian Sport for Life: Long-Term Athlete Development Resource Paper. Canadian Sport Centres, 2005.

Vickers, Joan N. “Decision Training: An Innovative Approach to Coaching.” Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching. February 2003.

Johnathan Long – Technical Rugby Consultant

Geraint John – National Men’s Sevens (Head Coach)

LTRD: SEVENSLTRD: RUGBY 2011 IMPLEMENTATION CURRICULUM GUIDE GUIDE 15 Toronto Office / Bureau de Toronto 30 Rue East Beaver Creek Road, Suite 110 Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1J2 Tel / Tél : 905 707 8998 Fax / Téléc : 905 707 9707

Victoria Office / Bureau de Victoria 3024 Rue Glen Lake Road Langford, BC CANADA V9B 4B4 Tel / Tél : 250 418 8998 Fax / Téléc : 250 386 3810

16 LTRD: COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY LTRD: COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY 16