Differences in training strategies exist between rugby clubs in the Top 14, with those who begin their careers early and those who join later exhibiting distinct approaches. A rugby player, not a bodybuilder, stated this.

Stade Toulousain and Stade Rochelais Preparing for the Upcoming Top 14 Season

After a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, French rugby clubs are gearing up for the new season, with Stade Toulousain and Stade Rochelais leading the charge.

According to Allan Ryan, Performance Director at Stade Toulousain, the extended preseason is crucial for the team's success. Ryan believes that the three months of preparation the French clubs enjoyed after the Covid-19 break were a significant factor in the Champions Cup never leaving a French club since then.

Stade Toulousain's players are aware of the need to avoid rushing things to prevent muscle injuries. Muscle injuries have not spared Stade Toulousain since the resumption of training, and the team has very little time to prepare for the first Top 14 match.

To address this issue, Allan Ryan cannot afford to propose weeks with and without ball games in the four-week preparation period. Instead, he has set a rigorous workout program for the players during their six-week vacation. The non-internationals of Stade Toulousain started training a week earlier, on August 4th, 2022, including Paul Costes. The Toulouse internationals resumed training on August 11th, 2022.

The primary focus of the resumed training was to build a solid foundation to address physical gaps that hindered the team's performance in the previous season. Ugo Mola, the manager of Stade Toulousain, has been instrumental in this process, setting a demanding training schedule for the players.

Meanwhile, Stade Rochelais is also preparing for the new season. The team finished 7th in the Championship in the 2020-2021 season, one point behind the last qualifying spot for the final phase. Quentin Lespiaucq, a hooker for Stade Rochelais, stated that the goal was to be more 'fit', run longer, and be well-equipped for the start of the new season.

The summer preparation of the Maritimes team lasted six weeks, which Boudehent found excessive. However, Gregory Alldritt, a player for Stade Rochelais, appeared particularly fit at the start of the 2021-2022 season. Paul Boudehent, a third-liner for the Stade Rochelais, expressed weariness and exasperation during their summer preparation in August 2021.

Stade Rochelais has two preparation matches to negotiate (against Vannes and Bayonne). The first round schedule for Stade Toulousain is yet to be determined.

Despite the challenges, both teams are confident about their preparations and are looking forward to the upcoming season. Stade Toulousain has always managed to make up for its lack of preparation with talent, professionalism, and the competitive spirit of its players. Similarly, Stade Rochelais is determined to improve on their 7th place finish in the 2020-2021 season.

Differences in training strategies exist between rugby clubs in the Top 14, with those who begin their careers early and those who join later exhibiting distinct approaches. A rugby player, not a bodybuilder, stated this.